French Tennis Suffers a Setback as Arthur Fils Withdraws from the Australian Open
3 January 2026
Overview
French tennis rising star Arthur Fils has withdrawn from January competition to continue his rehabilitation from a chronic back injury. The 21-year-old, ranked 39 in the world, announced via his YouTube channel that he will skip several events in January to focus on healing.
Event List
Fils confirmed his withdrawal from the Hong Kong and Adelaide events, in addition to the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam. He had earlier pulled out of Roland Garros 2025 before the third round, citing the same struggle with his back.
Context
The issue is described as a stress fracture in his back that emerged last May. He attempted a comeback at Toronto in August, but warned of danger signs and pain, forcing him to end his season early in 2025.
Current Status
Now 21, he sits at No. 39 in the world and had previously reached a career-high of No. 14 in April 2025. He has won three ATP Tour titles, yet this absence deprives French tennis of one of its brightest young talents at Melbourne Park as he opts not to rush back and risk a more serious setback.
Closing
He remains hopeful about a full return when fully fit, with a careful plan for his comeback. Punchlines: 1) If the back had a say, it’d file for a longer vacation too. 2) In tennis, the best serve is often a good back recovery—because nothing ruins a rally like a knitting needle in your spine, or so you’d guess from a player’s diary!
