No More Cookies & A Personal Physio: How Fils Transitioned from Setback to Comeback
French sensation set to clash with Paul in Miami quarter-finals on Wednesday
March 25, 2026
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Arthur Fils has reached the quarter-finals in Miami.
By ATP Staff
Arthur Fils kicked off his 2026 season not with an immediate match, but with crucial recovery efforts. After suffering a stress fracture in his back during the last Roland Garros in May, he had to cut his previous season short in August, pushing his comeback to February.
However, just weeks after making his return, Fils has transformed his late start into success. He stormed through the quarter-finals in Montpellier, reached the finals in Doha, and has now found himself in consecutive quarter-finals at both the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open presented by Itau. This remarkable performance has catapulted the 21-year-old into 11th place in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin.
“I’m incredibly happy to be back on Tour after such a long hiatus,” he expressed. “[I spent] six to eight months away from the game, so it’s a relief to be competing again.”
What makes Fils’ return captivating is not merely the swift results, but the numerous adjustments he embraced to position himself for success. His recovery led to a revamped daily routine.
“I’m now traveling with my own physiotherapist,” Fils noted. “It’s a significant change since I receive treatment multiple times a day, including morning, lunchtime, and evening. I improved my technique, modified my serve, and even tweaked my movement and forehand on the court.”
“My team and I made substantial adjustments, especially concerning my physical fitness. I now pay closer attention to my body, something I previously overlooked, thinking, ‘I’m young; I can manage it all.’ My back, however, had a different perspective.”
Fils admitted the most challenging transformation wasn’t just technical; it was lifestyle-based. Having taken up tennis at just five years old, he was set in his ways, making change daunting.
“I never doubted my ability to adapt, yet it isn’t simple,” he reflected. “When it pertains to aspects outside the court, it’s my way of life being tweaked. You must make choices to become the best version of yourself.”
Part of his evolution also includes a fresh perspective. In February, Fils made the strategic decision to collaborate with former World No. 2 Goran Ivanisevic. Though Ivanisevic hasn’t been physically present during the ‘Sunshine Double,’ their communication has been steady, and the early outcomes of their partnership have been promising.
“He’s a legendary champion and one of the finest coaches on the Tour,” Fils mentioned. “Our time in Doha was fruitful, and I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but it worked really well.”
“Having him in my corner is fantastic. Although he isn’t physically here right now, I’ve had a couple of good conversations with him, and he’s in close contact with Ivan, making it very accessible.”
Among the various changes Fils has navigated, one has proven particularly challenging.
“We’ve revamped my nutrition a lot. I used to indulge in cookies quite often,” he confessed. “Now, those treats are off-limits. We’ve shifted a few things, and I genuinely feel better now.”
This adjustment was especially tough in Indian Wells, where cookies were readily available in the locker room. Fils remarked, “[I miss] chocolate chip cookies the most. They have an entire box in the locker room. I’ve yet to touch a single one, which is quite impressive!”
As he prepares to face Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals in Miami, the Frenchman anticipates more rewards on the court.
