Son, on Alcaraz's superiority: "He is much stronger than us"
The rooster, who suffered a tough defeat against the Spaniard in the Doha final, stated, "He has an answer for everything I do, and I got stuck without solutions."
Arthur Fils was a broken toy at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the 2026 ATP Doha. The French player, who reached his first final after a back injury that had him out of action for eight months, was completely overwhelmed by the world number one, who now has 12 consecutive wins and remains undefeated in 2026 with two titles under his belt.
The fact that the final lasted only 50 minutes can explain the dominance Alcaraz imposed on Fils (6-2, 6-1), who, despite showing a great form during the week, crumbled against the circuit's most in-shape player, who also faced a tournament full of challenges which he managed to overcome.
A day after the defeat, the French player, with a clearer mind, spoke on the French radio RMC once again about his match with Alcaraz and how difficult and unapproachable it is to try to defeat him. But he also talked about his good feelings throughout the Doha tournament, his partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, his goals for 2026, and his new physical form.
Arthur Fils, overwhelmed by Carlos Alcaraz's dominance
"After a final against Alcaraz, when you come out of a match like that, you tell yourself that you have to improve everything. I play good tennis, but at the level he plays, it's much stronger than us, especially when compared to players outside the top 10."
"He has an answer for everything I do. Yesterday, I got stuck, without solutions, but it's a good experience for a comeback, even if it was a bit rushed. It was great to play a final, and I will keep it as a valuable experience."
Satisfied with his level and surprised by reaching the final
"It feels good. Eight months is a long time. Since Roland Garros, we've had issues with the injury; it was a long time. I had to start over, stop; it was very long. It feels good to be back at this level. I've played better tennis in my life, but returning to the ATP 500 and reaching a final so quickly is a pleasure. Frankly, I did not expect at all to reach a final and return to this level."
The injury forced him into a new physical change
"It took me time to lose weight. I had to leave some eating habits. I worked with professionals; it took us three months to lose between six and seven kilos. This change has specific effects on the court. I feel better, move better, feel more resilient. But it's mainly for my back, to strain it less."
About his collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic
"Goran Ivanisevic joined me; this was his first tournament. Ivan Cinkus will return in Indian Wells. I did well with Goran; he helped me a lot with his experience, even though it has only been four or five days."
His goals for 2026
"The signs are all positive. For 2026, I have set goals with my team, which will remain between them and me, but the main objective is to stay healthy throughout the season, play tournament after tournament, and enjoy it, be consistent, play well every week eliminating too many ups and downs: that is the main thing."
With his eyes on Roland Garros
"It's going to be fantastic to return to Roland Garros. I'm going to do everything possible to arrive healthy and in top form. It's a goal for every French player; it generates incredible emotions. Last year was electrifying. I'm going to do everything possible to make the most of Roland Garros this season," says Arthur Fils, who has exceeded his expectations upon his return, although in the final, Carlos Alcaraz brought him back to reality.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fils, sobre la superioridad de Alcaraz: "Es mucho más fuerte que nosotros"