Arthur Fils wins Cincinnati for first Masters 1000 title

Arthur Fils has moved to 11th in the ATP rankings after winning the Cincinnati Masters 1000, taking him to the edge of the top 10. The Frenchman’s breakthrough also gives French tennis its seventh title in the series, 12 years after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s triumph in Toronto. It was the fifth title of Fils’ career and came in his first Masters 1000 final.

The 21st-ranked Fils defeated American Frances Tiafoe, ranked 23rd, 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 in one hour and 28 minutes. He controlled the opening set and established an early lead, but Tiafoe responded strongly in the second, breaking twice to level the match. Tiafoe then received treatment on his right knee during a three-minute medical interruption before the deciding set.

Fils regained control in the final set, saving an early threat on his serve before breaking Tiafoe and moving 3-0 ahead. A second break widened the gap, and the Frenchman completed the victory after Tiafoe made an error. The Cincinnati success places Fils alongside Guy Forget, Cédric Pioline, Sébastien Grosjean and Tsonga among French Masters 1000 winners. It also gives him significant momentum heading into the US Open.