‘I will remember this forever’ – Teenager Arthur Fils makes history as youngest champion at Lyon Open

In a display of talent and determination, 18-year-old French tennis sensation Arthur Fils secured his first tour-level title on Saturday at the Lyon Open.

Fils became the youngest champion in the tournament’s history, defeating Francisco Cerundolo 6-3 7-5 in a thrilling final.

Having triumphed over Brandon Nakashima in a gruelling semi-final match, Fils showcased his aggressive playing style throughout the one-hour, 36-minute final.

Fils showcased his mental fortitude by bouncing back from lost break advantages in the second set. He eventually managed to secure a crucial break in the 11th game, proving to be the decisive moment of the match.

With unwavering focus, the 18-year-old held his nerve on serve, ultimately clinching the most significant victory of his young career in front of the cheering home crowd.

“I will remember this forever,” Fils said.

“It has been a great week. It has been amazing. I am happy with the win and now I want more. It was a tough semi-final match. Today I came onto court with not lots of energy, but I was focused on my game and trying my best.

“I was feeling that I was playing well earlier [this week] but I didn’t maybe expect that I would win the tournament,” he added.

With this remarkable win, Fils secured his 10th tour-level victory of the season, cementing his position as the youngest champion on the ATP Tour this year. He joins the ranks of fellow teenagers Carlos Alcaraz, who triumphed in Indian Wells, Barcelona, and Buenos Aires, and Holger Rune, who emerged victorious in Munich.

Fils had already showcased his potential earlier this season, reaching the semi-finals in Montpellier and Marseille. However, it was in Lyon that he truly stepped up his game, claiming the coveted title.

He has also achieved a significant milestone in his career by breaking into the Top 100 for the first time, climbing an impressive 49 places to secure the No. 63 spot in the ATP Rankings. Alongside his compatriot Luca Van Assche, who is also 19 years old, Fils stands as one of the only two teenagers currently ranked in the Top 100 as they head into the upcoming Roland Garros tournament.

Cerundolo, who had aimed to capture his second tour-level trophy after his success in Bastad last season, now sets his sights on the upcoming Roland Garros.

With a solid clay court record in 2023, boasting a 13-9 win-loss record, the 24-year-old Argentine is determined to make his mark in the prestigious Grand Slam event, having reached the quarter-finals in Rome and Barcelona.

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