Arthur Fils (33-1): Fils’ rise has been one of the big stories of the 2025 season. The 20-year-old is 16-7 this year, and that 69.6% win percentage is the best he’s had in his young ATP career. The Frenchman has also raised his floor tremendously, using his athleticism to become a significantly better baseliner. Fils has always been an explosive player, with a big serve and forehand that can end points quickly. But he has improved his accuracy as a server, and he is also getting better at extending rallies and constructing points. Now, Fils feels like he is working himself deep into every tournament. And that makes it hard not to like him to make some noise in Madrid.
Fils has have some tough potential matchups in his draw, as he could take on Francisco Cerundolo in the Round of 32, and a win would likely mean a meeting with Zverev in the Round of 16. But Fils just beat Zverev in Miami, and there’s no reason to doubt him in Madrid. These conditions should be great for Fils, who can win easy points with his serve and wear opponents out from the back of the court. He just needs to be accurate with his first serve, as his second serve is one of his only big weaknesses.
