Arthur Fils has flirted with greatness for years, even while he was trying to work his way up in the ranks of the ATP Tour. He might be developing in a way that Jannik Sinner did, though. Both had immense raw skills for a tennis player at a young age, but neither was quick to find high-end success. At least, not like Carlos Alcaraz did.
But Fils has been knocking on the door to a top-10 ranking for the last two years. He reached three quarterfinals at Masters 1000s in 2025, and this year, he has now reached at least the semifinals of three Masters. For the first time, however, he is into the final of one.
That is because Fils thoroughly dominated No. 10 Flavio Cobolli in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open. If a tennis fan was watching but didn't know the ranking of either player, one might have assumed the Frenchman was established and the Italian not yet finding his footing on tour. Not so.
Arthur Fils dominates Flavio Cobolli in the semifinals of the 2026 Cincinnati Open
Fils' power was far too much for Cobolli, and once Fils reached peak form, he stayed there. That was the most impressive part of the match. Fils didn't suffer ups and downs. He reached an up, and he stayed there.
After taking the opening set 6-3, Fils got an early break in the second set and appeared so confident in his serve that he didn't appear to push Cobolli on the Italian's serve after getting the lead. Instead, like most top-end players, Fils knew he could serve the match out, and his swagger and confidence were immense.
That hasn't ever truly gone away, but that he is brimming with confidence even more is a real threat to the rest of the ATP field. Talent isn't a question for the Frenchman, who will move up to No. 11 in the live rankings with the semifinal victory, but repetition of excellent shots from both wings was. That also might be fading.
Fils was electric with his forehand as always, but his backhand also won him several points. Meanwhile, his defense was overwhelming Cobolli. There was no aspect of Fils' game that Flavio Cobolli could attack, and the Italian seemed to understand that.
Fils would eventually hold serve with ease to take the second set 6-4. By doing so, he achieved a career first by reaching a Masters final. It likely won't be the last for the 22-year-old Frenchman.
Arthur Fils could be on the precipice of winning his first career Masters 1000. In the final of the Cincinnati Open, he will face either the red-hot Brandon Nakashima or Frances Tiafoe. Fils could beat either in his current form.
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