Australian Open 2025: 25 favorites to watch out for | No. 24, Men's singles
Continuing the countdown for potential winners of the Australian Open 2025 men's singles title, next up on the list is French youngster Arthur Fils. Following a rather solid debut season last year, he continued to improve in 2024. He won two titles this year and beat some formidable opponents to lay his hands on the winner's trophy.
Fils claimed his first title of the season at the Hamburg European Open. He beat top 20 players Holger Rune and Sebastian Baez to reach the final, and then defeated World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in three sets to win his first ATP 500 title.
The Frenchman's title-winning run at the Japan Open was even more impressive. He started off with a win over World No. 7 Taylor Fritz, and then ousted former top 10 player Matteo Berrettini in the second round. He knocked out a trio of top 20 players after that, including Ben Shelton, to capture his second title of the year.
Fils also advanced to the fourth round of a Major for the first time at Wimbledon and matched his best showing at the Masters 1000 level with third-round appearances at the Indian Wells Masters and the Paris Masters. He peaked at No. 20 in the rankings and concluded the season ranked in the same position as well, an improvement from last year's finish of No. 36.
Fils is currently participating in the Next Gen ATP Finals, where he was the runner-up last year. He will be keen to go all the way this time and end the year on a high. After a slew of impressive performances, he will also aim to carry over this form into the coming season.
Arthur Fils is among the leading contenders from the next generation of players who could do well at the Australian Open 2025
Arthur Fils is one of the most promising youngsters on the ATP Tour right now and is the youngest player ranked in the top 40. His serve and shotmaking make him a credible threat against established players. Furthermore, his flair and charisma make it easier for him to win over the crowd, which helps players turn the tide in their favor at times.
Fils made the second round of the Australian Open on his debut this year. He beat former top 30 player Jiri Vesely in the first round before losing to 28th seed Tallon Griekspoor.
Since the turn of the new century, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the only player from France to make a Major final, back at the Australian Open 2008. No man from the country has won a Grand Slam title in the Open Era. Fils has the goods to change that and could be the surprise package at the Australian Open 2025.
To view the previous entry in this countdown, click here.