Arthur Fils is wasting no time in reshaping his comeback story. The 21-year-old Frenchman has officially added former Wimbledon champion and legendary coach Goran Ivanisevic to his team for the 2026 season, bringing serious Grand Slam pedigree into his corner.

After a frustrating, injury-hit 2025 campaign, Fils is aiming to climb back inside the world’s top 20, and he’s enlisted one of the most experienced minds in the game to help him do it. Fils, currently ranked No. 40, saw his momentum derailed last season by a major lower back issue that surfaced around the French Open. The injury disrupted his rhythm and ultimately forced him to miss the Australian Open at the start of 2026.

However, the former world No. 14 has returned with renewed purpose. After competing in Montpellier and Rotterdam, Arthur Fils is now making waves at the Qatar Open in Doha. He edged past Kamil Majchrzak in the opening round before producing a commanding 6-1, 7-6(7) victory over Quentin Halys to book a quarterfinal spot. And watching closely in Doha? None other than Goran Ivanisevic.

Speaking after his win, Fils made it clear why he believes the Croatian is the right man for the job. “Hell of a champion, winner of a slam and coached a lot of guys, lot of champions actually… So yeah, he’s helping me during the season. I mean, we’re going to try, but I think it’s good for me; it’s maybe the best for me to have his experience as a coach and as a player. So very, very happy that he joined us during this long journey.”

Ivanisevic’s résumé speaks for itself. A former world No. 2, the Croatian captured the 2001 Wimbledon title as a wild card - a feat that remains one of tennis's most iconic underdog triumphs. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020.

But it’s his coaching record that truly elevates this partnership.

Ivanisevic is best known for his hugely successful collaboration with Novak Djokovic between 2019 and 2024. During that period, Djokovic captured 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players. Following that historic run, Ivanisevic had brief stints with Elena Rybakina and Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2025. Now, Arthur Fils becomes the seventh player in Ivanisevic’s coaching portfolio and arguably one of the most intriguing long-term projects.

For Fils, the goal is clear: rebuild his fitness, sharpen his game, and reestablish himself among the elite. With Roland Garros on the horizon, securing a seeded spot at his home Slam will be a major objective.

Ivanisevic’s presence could be transformative. Known for his tactical acumen and emphasis on serve efficiency - an area where Fils can still elevate his game, and guess what? The 54-year-old Croatian brings both championship experience and emotional intensity.

Next up in Doha, Fils faces Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals, with a semifinal berth at stake. It’s an early test in what could be a defining season. If this partnership clicks, Arthur Fils may not just be aiming for the top 20 - he could be building toward something much bigger.

Well, talking about bigger things, some tennis experts have already made some bold predictions about Fils…

Former ATP pro believes Arthur Fils is a “top 10 guy”

Arthur Fils’ comeback is quickly turning into one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026 season. After a difficult injury-plagued year, the French youngster is not only back on court - he’s earning strong endorsements from respected voices across the tennis world.

A former top-30 pro, Steve Johnson, believes the 21-year-old has all the tools to crack the elite tier of men’s tennis. Fils endured a frustrating 2025 campaign. The Frenchman reached a career-high ranking of No. 14 in April but played just two matches after the French Open, spending the rest of the season sidelined with a lingering back injury. Despite concerns, including noticeable loss of muscle mass during his absence, Johnson remained impressed with what he saw from the young star.

Speaking on Tennis Channel earlier this month, the American praised both Fils’ talent and entertainment value: “I just want to see him healthy, because he is such a fun guy to watch. I love it when he is out there. The forehand is huge, the serve is huge, he’s got great charisma, and he brings a lot of energy out there. So as long as he can stay healthy, I couldn’t agree more with Jimmy [Arias], I think he is a top 10 guy as long as he can put together a good 12-month season from start to finish. So hopefully this is just the start for him, he’s healthy, and he can just continue on.”

The message is clear - fitness, not talent, will determine how far Arthur Fils goes. Fils has also received praise from inside the locker room. Fellow Frenchman Quentin Halys recently highlighted his all-court ability ahead of their meeting in Doha, noting he always expected the youngster to succeed.

“Even when they’re young, you can easily spot those who stand out, and Arthur was one of them back then. He was among the future stars, and he’s confirmed it since.” Halys went even further… comparing Fils’ playing style to world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

“He can play extremely well everywhere on all surfaces… If I had to compare his playing style, I’d say he has a bit of Alcaraz’s game. He uses his forehand a lot, and on his backhand, he controls well while also being extremely mobile.”

After six months away from competition, Fils has returned healthy and motivated. The timing couldn’t be more important. With a full season ahead, consistency - something injuries previously denied him - will now determine whether predictions about a top-10 breakthrough come true. What are your predictions surrounding Arthur Fils, though?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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