Fils Shocks Zverev to Reach Miami Open Quarterfinals

Arthur Fils pulls off stunning upset over top-seeded Alexander Zverev at Miami Open, advancing to quarterfinals.

In a stunning upset, 20-year-old French tennis player Arthur Fils defeated top-seeded Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the fourth round of the Miami Open on Wednesday. This remarkable victory marked a significant milestone in Fils' career.

Fils demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination, rallying from a set down to take control of the match. He surged ahead 4-1 in the second set, showcasing his unwavering spirit and unrelenting pressure on Zverev.

Despite Zverev's strong start in the third set, taking a 3-1 lead, Fils refused to back down. Utilizing his impressive athleticism and powerful forehand, Fils broke back to level the score at 3-2. He then seized the opportunity to take the lead when Zverev's return went long, moving ahead 4-3.

As the match reached its climax, Zverev held serve to stay in the game at 5-4 down, but Fils remained composed under pressure. With unwavering focus, Fils served out the match, securing one of the most significant wins of his career. He will now face 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals.

Arthur Fils' impressive victory over top-seeded Alexander Zverev was all the more remarkable given that he was struggling with back pain throughout the match. “I was feeling not great in the rallies. I've had a little problem in my back since I was young, so sometimes it hurts me a little bit,” Fils explained.

Allez Arthur 👏

The moment Arthur Fils became the first Frenchman to reach quarter-finals at Indian Wells and Miami in the same year since Monfils in 2016! #MiamiOPEN pic.twitter.com/lV4hBpC2jy

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 26, 2025

Despite the discomfort, Fils adapted his strategy to outmaneuver Zverev. “I had to find a rhythm, (be) more aggressive and come into the court to play my game and not let him play, because when you let him play he is one of the best tennis players in the world. I'm really happy about the way I did it,” Fils added, reflecting on his winning approach.

The fourth-round match was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed due to rain, forcing a change in the schedule. Fils' victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as he also reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells earlier this month.

With this achievement, Fils becomes the first Frenchman to reach the quarter-finals on both legs of the 'Sunshine Double' since Gael Monfils in 2016. This impressive feat underscores Fils' growing presence in the tennis world.