Top tennis youngster suffers another setback and withdraws from Australian Open

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The 2026 Australian Open is just a few short weeks away, but there’s plenty of tennis to get through before then…

This week, stars of the ATP and WTA Tours are competing in the mixed-gender United Cup.

Big names such as Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Alexander Zverev will battle it out for the title Down Under, in what promises to be an incredible event.

Next week, tour-level events begin, with ATP 250 tournaments in Hong Kong and Brisbane kicking off proceedings.

Unfortunately, one ATP youngster who had hoped to make his long-awaited return to tennis in Hong Kong has now suffered yet another setback.

Arthur Fils pulls out of the Australian Open

Talented Frenchman Arthur Fils hasn’t been seen on tour since August 1, 2025, when he lost to Jiri Lehecka at the Canadian Open.

A back injury sustained at the 2025 French Open derailed his season, which looked promising during the first few months of the year.

Hoping to start 2026 strong, Fils had signed up for the Hong Kong Open, an event he reached the quarterfinals of last season.

On New Year’s Day, Fils posted the following message on his Instagram account, with an image of him training in the gym.

“Rebuild. Learn. Progress. Grateful for the people around me every day. On to 2026,” he said.

Just one day later, Fils withdrew from the Hong Kong Open, Adelaide International, and Australian Open.

It looks like Fils has some more rebuilding to do before he can return to the tour…

What’s next for Arthur Fils?

Fils has only played two matches since May 29, 2025.

With such a long lay-off, fans of the Frenchman are starting to worry that this may be a recurring issue throughout his time on tour.

Fils has all the potential to become a top-10 player, contending for big titles, so it would be a shame to see his career ruined by injuries.

It remains to be seen when Fils will return to tennis, but we certainly hope he can make it back in time for his home Grand Slam.

The 2026 French Open will begin on Saturday, May 18.