Arthur Fils, Guided by Ivanisevic, Prepares to Face Sinner’s 21-Match Winning Streak in Madrid Semifinal

Key facts

• Arthur Fils, 21, will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Madrid Open semifinals on Friday.
• Fils lost his only prior match against Sinner 7-5, 6-2 in Montpellier over three years ago.
• Sinner enters on a 21-match winning streak; Fils has won nine consecutive matches.
• Fils hired Goran Ivanisevic, 2001 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, as coach in February after returning from a back injury.
• Ivanisevic helped Novak Djokovic win nine Grand Slam titles from 2019 to 2024 and coached Marin Cilic to the 2014 US Open title.
• Fils praised Ivanisevic’s impact on his serve, volley, and tactical aggression in an interview with L’Equipe.
• Fils defeated Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals to set up the semifinal clash.

A Semifinal Showdown in Madrid

Arthur Fils, the 21-year-old Frenchman, will step onto the clay of the Caja Mágica on Friday to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the 2026 Madrid Open. The match pits two players on extraordinary runs: Sinner carries a 21-match winning streak, while Fils has won nine consecutive matches of his own. It will be only the second meeting between the two; their first, in Montpellier over three years ago, ended in a 7-5, 6-2 victory for Sinner.

Ivanisevic’s Influence on Fils’s Game

Fils hired Goran Ivanisevic as his coach shortly after returning to the tour from a back injury in February. Ivanisevic, a 2001 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, is widely regarded as one of tennis’s most accomplished coaches. He guided Novak Djokovic to nine Grand Slam titles between 2019 and 2024 and helped his Croatian compatriot Marin Cilic win the 2014 US Open. Speaking to L’Equipe, Fils detailed how Ivanisevic has transformed his approach: “The serve, the volley… Everything. Trying to go further down the line at times. Putting more pressure on the opponent.”

Learning from a Wimbledon Legend

Beyond technical adjustments, Fils values Ivanisevic’s vast experience. “He helps me a lot with his experience. He was an incredible player. He tells me when I need to change something or, on the contrary, continue in the same direction,” Fils said. The young Frenchman expressed particular fascination with Ivanisevic’s improbable 2001 Wimbledon triumph, where the Croatian won as a wild card. “It’s crazy. He told me some stories, it’s very funny,” Fils added.

The Road to the Semifinal

Fils earned his spot in the semifinal by defeating Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals. The victory extended his winning streak to nine matches, a run that began after his return from injury. Sinner, meanwhile, has been dominant throughout the tournament, extending a streak that has made him the clear world No. 1. The Italian’s last loss came more than two months ago, and he has shown no signs of slowing down on clay.

What’s at Stake for Both Players

For Fils, a win would mark the biggest victory of his young career and propel him into his first ATP Masters 1000 final. For Sinner, the match is another step toward extending his winning streak and solidifying his hold on the top ranking. The outcome will also test the effectiveness of the Ivanisevic-Fils partnership, which is still in its early stages. Fils acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his preparation.

A Clash of Momentum and Experience

The semifinal presents a classic contrast: Sinner’s sustained dominance against Fils’s surging form, bolstered by a coach who knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Ivanisevic’s own history as a Grand Slam champion and his work with Djokovic provide Fils with a tactical edge that could prove decisive. Yet Sinner’s consistency and mental fortitude have made him the player to beat on any surface.

The bottom line

• Arthur Fils faces Jannik Sinner in the Madrid Open semifinal on Friday, with both players on long winning streaks.
• Fils’s new coach, Goran Ivanisevic, has improved his serve, volley, and tactical aggression since February.
• Ivanisevic’s experience includes coaching Novak Djokovic to nine Grand Slams and winning Wimbledon as a wild card.
• Fils lost his only prior match against Sinner in Montpellier three years ago.
• The match will test whether Fils’s recent form and coaching upgrade can overcome Sinner’s world No. 1 status.