A. FILS/J.L. Struff
6-3, 6-4
(In French.)
THE MODERATOR: Congrats, Arthur. A good match against a tough opponent. What was the key of the match, according to you?
ARTHUR FILS: I don't really know. I served well throughout the match. During the first set I needed to save a lot of breakpoints. I don't know how many. Eight or nine. It was really tough.
There was a lot of intensity from the get-go. He's a very good player on hard court, so I was glad to win.
THE MODERATOR: Questions.
Q. What are you most proud of? Is it your level of play or this mental solidity that you have been show-casing over the last weeks? You have been saving eight breakpoints. Especially on your second serve, you have a lot of pressure, but you remain cool and loose.
ARTHUR FILS: I had to remain focused and solid, because if I get out of focus, then I lose my break, and then it's another type of match starting. I tried to vary my serve, especially during the second set, because when I was serving flat, my percentage was getting lower. He was playing very loose, so I had to change my tactics. But I'm glad, because I was focused from A to Z, and it went well.
Q. The average level is always something that is important in tennis. Do you feel that you have improved significantly on your average stats against a player of that level?
ARTHUR FILS: I have practiced a lot to reach that level. I spend a lot of time on court, in the fitness room. We work so hard to manage to get a high level of play throughout a match. From a physical point of view, I need to have a high level, as well.
It pays off now, even if it's the last tournament of the year. I'm tired, but this is where I feel best and I have to carry on like this.
Q. After the American tour that was a disappointment, how did you manage to get back on the train?
ARTHUR FILS: Well, the Davis Cup helped me so much. I lost two tough matches, and then I managed to win my third match, my first match with the French team, and it helped me a great deal.
It could have been tough for me, but it gave me a lot of boost. It boosted my confidence, and it was very tough. I lost a match against Kokkinakis, against Bautista, but it was very positive.
Then I went to Tokyo, and I had a good level of tennis. I have to remain focused to carry on. It turned out well. When you are getting into a winning streak, then you have a lot of wins, one after the other, so the Davis Cup helped me a great deal.
Q. We saw you trying to call upon the crowd to boost your energy. Did you feel that it was your last chance?
ARTHUR FILS: More or less. I don't think about the fact that it could be the last match. It's an incredible tournament, but at La Defense, it will be a great atmosphere as well, and it's a pleasure playing here.
Two years ago I managed to go through the qualifications. Last year I lost early, but if I play for Bercy, may it be here or for the French Open or at La Defense, it's in France and it's great.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports