On May 23, 2026, French tennis star Arthur Fils, currently ranked No. 19 in the world, announced his withdrawal from the French Open due to a persistent hip injury. This decision comes after a disappointing performance at the Italian Open, where Fils had to retire during the first set of his initial match, raising concerns about his fitness heading into the prestigious Grand Slam event.
The 21-year-old athlete expressed his frustration, noting that although medical examinations did not indicate any severe issues, he continued to experience significant discomfort. “My hip was bothering me a lot, and after not being able to train for the last two weeks, my practice today was essentially my first real points since Rome,” Fils stated. He added, “I must prioritize my health and won’t risk exacerbating my injury, as I did last year.”
In 2025, Fils faced a significant setback when he withdrew from the French Open after bowing out in the second round due to a stress fracture in his lower back. However, the rising star had shown great promise in 2026, achieving a commendable 22-7 record and enjoying strong performances in tournaments across Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid, including a notable clay-court title in Barcelona.
The tournament’s absence of Fils leaves a void, particularly for French fans who hoped he could end the country’s wait for a men’s champion at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah triumphed in 1983. In his absence, veteran player Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 French Open champion, who was scheduled to compete against Fils in the opening round, will now face an unseeded qualifier.
As excitement builds for the tournament’s opening, which kicks off on Sunday in Paris, Fils’s withdrawal serves as a poignant reminder of the physical challenges faced by professional players.
