Fils Triumphs Over Humbert in Thrilling All-French Japan Open Final

Arthur Fils, world No. 24, pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Ugo Humbert in the all-French Japan Open final, surviving match point in a thrilling 3-hour, 4-minute contest in Tokyo. The 20-year-old secured his third career title and second of the year, following his win in Hamburg, solidifying his rising status on the ATP Tour.

Humbert, ranked No. 19, was aiming to set an ATP record by winning his first seven finals, but Fils proved too resilient. The match was tense throughout, with Humbert dominating early and Fils fighting to stay alive. Facing match point in the second-set tiebreak, Fils dug deep to level the match, shifting the momentum.

In the final set, Fils broke Humbert’s serve at a crucial moment to take a 5-3 lead, giving him the chance to serve for the championship. He sealed the victory with an ace on his first match point, dropping to the court in disbelief after his hard-fought win.

Fils’ road to the title was anything but easy. He stunned top-seed and US Open finalist Taylor Fritz in the first round and survived tough battles against defending champion Ben Shelton and sixth seed Holger Rune to reach the final.

At just 20, Fils became the youngest Tokyo champion in more than 40 years, showcasing his remarkable talent and tenacity throughout the tournament. His powerful serving and mental strength were key factors in his victory, particularly in the high-pressure moments against Humbert.

For Humbert, this loss marked his first defeat in an ATP final after previously winning all six he had contested. Despite the setback, Humbert’s performance in Tokyo was commendable, and his strong form throughout the season has solidified his place among the top players.

This all-French final was the first on the ATP Tour in four years, marking a significant moment for French tennis, with both Fils and Humbert showcasing the depth of talent coming from France.