There could soon be another new face in the ATP Tour’s top 10, with one player making a strong comeback in his return to action.
The end of the year’s first Grand Slam has already brought about some significant changes to the ATP rankings, with one of the most notable being 38-year-old Novak Djokovic earning recognition for reaching his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024.
Djokovic has held a steady spot inside the ATP top 10 since July 2018. Steve Johnson has now tipped that he could soon be joined by an up-and-comer who just played their first match in six months.
Steve Johnson tips Arthur Fils for top 10 return after comeback
Arthur Fils spent much of last year on the sidelines with a back injury, making it a difficult season for the 21-year-old.
The Frenchman had climbed to a career-high ranking of world number 14 in April but managed only two matches after the French Open.
He extended his break from tennis by missing the Australian Open but is now back in action at the ATP 250 event in Montpellier.
Despite limited play, Fils has managed to stay ranked inside the top 50 and marked his return by beating Valentin Royer, his first win since August.
There have been comments about him looking slimmer than before, but Steve Johnson, who was once ranked inside the world’s top 30, still liked what he saw from Fils and backed him to make a big jump up the rankings if he stays healthy.
“I just want to see him healthy because he is such a fun guy to watch,” Johnson said. “I love when he is out there – forehand’s huge, serve’s huge. He’s got great charisma. He brings a lot of energy out there.”
“So as long as he can stay healthy, I couldn’t agree more with Jimmy [Arias], I think he is a top-10 guy as long as he can put together a good 12-month season from start to finish. So hopefully this is just the start for him; he’s healthy and can continue on.”
Ben Shelton welcomes Arthur Fils back after Montpellier return
Johnson spoke about how much he enjoys watching Fils play, and the support for the 21-year-old has been clear since his comeback.
Plenty of people have sent messages to Fils after his first win back, including world number nine Ben Shelton.
Shelton shared a supportive message on his Instagram story, writing: “Good to see bro back (love heart and praying hand emojis).”
Next up for Fils is another all-French matchup against lucky loser Ugo Blanchet as he looks to build on his winning start in Montpellier.
This will be their first meeting at ATP level, though Fils did beat Blanchet when they faced off on the Challenger circuit back in 2022.
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