Marion Bartoli to Arthur Fils: “You Smashed a Racket in Rage, but I Loved How You Immediately Fought Back.”

During her show on RMC, Marion Bartoli interviewed French number one Arthur Fils about his Miami Open run, particularly his three-set victory over Frances Tiafoe.

Marion Bartoli: “I want to go back to your match against Frances Tiafoe in Miami, which seemed like a turning point. You were leading for a set and a half, should have closed it in two, but he managed to take it to a third, with the American crowd fully behind him. You smashed a racket in frustration, but what I really liked was how you immediately refocused and went back into battle mode. I found your ability to reset at the start of the third set very impressive. Is this the new Arthur Fils?”

Arthur Fils: “It was one of the toughest matches of the season but also one where I was mentally strongest. I broke my racket, but as you said, I was ahead for a set and a half… I had a lot of chances in the second set. I had cramps. My coach told me to stay calm and go for every shot.”