Arthur Fils has been making waves on the ATP Tour, and his rise to prominence has been nothing short of electrifying. The 20-year-old Frenchman turned professional in 2021 and quickly made his mark by clinching his first ATP title in Lyon. His 2024 season was a breakthrough, with victories at the ATP 500 events in Hamburg and Tokyo. By March 2025, he had reached a career-high ranking of World No. 15. The young man is making quite a name for himself, but who’s the brain behind his rise?
For 15 months, starting at the end of 2023, Fils worked with Sebastien Grosjean, a former top-five player and French tennis legend. Under Grosjean’s mentorship, he achieved significant milestones, including his maiden ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal at Indian Wells and two ATP 500 titles. However, on March 17, 2025, Fils announced their amicable split.
Enter Ivan Cinkus, the Croatian coach who joined Fils’ team in January 2025. Cinkus brings a wealth of experience, having coached Marin Cilic to a Cincinnati Masters title and two Grand Slam finals, as well as guiding Miomir Kecmanovic to deep runs in major tournaments. A former player himself, Cinkus retired early but built a reputation as a no-nonsense coach with a knack for honing talent.
Speaking to Tennis Majors on January 15, he highlighted key areas he has been working on to improve Fils’ forehand efficiency and net positioning during the off-season. “Arthur is very explosive and quick,” Cinkus said. “We’ve focused on finishing points better with his forehand and improving his feel at the net.”
Being a former player himself, once ranked 414 in singles and 216 in doubles, Cinkus knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges. He retired at just 24 due to financial constraints, but that setback only fueled his passion for coaching. Now, he’s on a mission to unlock the full potential of 20-year-old Arthur Fils.
The Frenchman is steadily building a reputation as a rising force in tennis, and his return game is becoming a key weapon in his arsenal. While still developing, his stats at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters showcased his potential. Fils won 20% of return games and 36% of return points, including an impressive 29% off opponents’ first serves and 49% off second serves. These numbers highlight his ability to challenge even top-ranked players.
The coach has been instrumental in refining this aspect of Fils’ game. “We’ve focused on keeping him closer to the baseline and shortening his swing when facing strong servers,” Cinkus explained. “Another key area has been maintaining the depth of his returns when he stands a few steps back from the baseline.”
Cinkus’ track record speaks for itself. With Cilic, he achieved remarkable success, including two Grand Slam finals and a Masters title. With Kecmanovic, he guided the Serbian to notable results like reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2024. In 2023, Kecmanovic reached the finals of two ATP 250 tournaments as well, Delray Beach and Estoril, while working with Cinkus.
Cinkus’ partnership with Fils seems to be clicking both on and off the court. But what does Arthur have to say about the coach?
Arthur Fils on his new coach, who is looking to push him further
Last month, Fils reached the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, his first at this level. He narrowly lost to Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling third-set tiebreak, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7), after two hours and 25 minutes of intense tennis. The match showcased Fils’ ability to challenge top players, further solidifying his growing reputation on the ATP Tour.
This week, Fils will compete at the Monte Carlo Masters as the new French No. 1. Cinkus has brought a certain approach to his game that seems to resonate with the young star.
Fils had shed light on Cinkus’ coaching style back in January, saying, “It’s a different mentality. He doesn’t beat around the bush when saying something. It’s very straightforward, and that’s great. If he wants to tell me I’m bad or that I’m playing poorly, he’ll tell me, and he’ll be right. Things need to be direct; otherwise, you waste time. It’s better when it’s straightforward; it’s simpler.”
Cinkus himself embraces this direct style. “I don’t sugarcoat things,” he said. “I’ll tell him, ‘This was very good, but that wasn’t at all.’ He’s very receptive to feedback, and everything is going according to plan.” This honest approach appears to be paying off as Fils continues to refine his game.
Now, all eyes are on Fils as he prepares for an exciting clash against Carlos Alcaraz at Monte Carlo today, Friday, April 11. It’s their first-ever meeting since Fils turned pro. Can he pull off an upset against the Spaniard? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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