Ivan Ljubicic says Arthur Fils is already ahead of Carlos Alcaraz in one area

Arthur Fils has quickly re-established himself as one of the ATP Tour’s most exciting prospects since returning from injury.

The Frenchman came back in February following a six-month layoff due to a back issue and has wasted no time making an impact.

Fils has already picked up the Barcelona Open title and reached the semi-finals at the Miami Open, as well as making it to the final in Qatar.

While many expect Fils to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s hold on the men’s game, Ivan Ljubicic believes there’s already one aspect of Fils’ game that surpasses Alcaraz.

Ivan Ljubicic draws comparisons between Arthur Fils and Carlos Alcaraz

Arthur Fils has made a strong impression on Ivan Ljubicic, who expects the Frenchman to have a standout clay court campaign.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “His forehand is faster, with much more topspin than any other, even Alcaraz’s sometimes.

“It’s good to have such significant power on that shot; it gives you confidence, especially on clay. That’s why I think clay is his best surface.”

The only time Fils and Alcaraz have faced each other in 2026 was at the Qatar Open final.

Arthur Fils yet to defeat Carlos Alcaraz on ATP Tour

Although Fils has drawn some comparisons to Alcaraz, he still hasn’t beaten the Spaniard in any of their meetings so far.

The two have played three times, with Alcaraz winning each encounter without much trouble.

Fils has come up short against Alcaraz in Qatar, Barcelona and Monte-Carlo. The only time he managed to take a set off him was in Monte-Carlo.

If Fils continues this strong run of form through 2026, another matchup between the two seems inevitable.

The Frenchman’s win at the Barcelona Open has moved him up to world number 23 in the ATP rankings.

He’ll open his Madrid Open campaign against Ignacio Buse as he aims to build on what’s already been a promising start to the clay season.

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