In perhaps the match of the year so far on the ATP Tour, Arthur Fils outlasted Tommy Paul 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(6) in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open on Wednesday night. This high-quality, exhausting show lasted two hours and 47 minutes.
“It was a dog fight, and I didn’t back down from the fight,” Fils said during a courtroom interview. “Even if I lose, it’s okay, I’ll just fight all I can.”
But he didn’t lose – although he wouldn’t come close to doing so. The Phils trailed 6-2 in the third game of the set only to save four straight points and eventually win the last six points. The 21-year-old French player also saved six break points that he faced throughout the tournament and was never broken throughout the tournament.
Paul fought, too. The 23rd-ranked American didn’t give Fils a single chance to rest all night until he saw match point at 5-6 in the final. Paul, who had a 40-0 lead in that service game, fought back by forcing Fils into a forehand error.
However, in the end it was Fils who came up with the goods from the brink of defeat.
“That’s the best result I’ve had in my life so far,” confirmed Fils. “I will try to do my best in the semis, but now I am very happy.”
The world No. 31 was previously a lifetime 0-4 in the quarterfinals of Masters 1000 events. That record includes a loss to Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells two weeks ago. Fils will have a day off before facing Jiri Lehecka in the semifinals on Friday. Lehecka advanced with a 7-6(1), 7-5 win over qualifier Martin Landaluce.
