World number 14, French tennis player Arthur Fils, has shared his thoughts after Stefanos Tsitsipas retired from their ATP 500 quarterfinal match in Barcelona. The Greek player stopped playing after completing just two games.
– Were you aware that Stefanos might be having problems?
– It seems like the issue is with his back, but to be honest, I`m not certain. I had prepared myself for a long and challenging match because he genuinely is a champion. Every time we face each other, it`s a significant contest. I sincerely hope he recovers quickly for the upcoming weeks and for Roland Garros. I don`t know precisely what`s wrong, but from the bottom of my heart, I wish him all the best.
– What are your expectations heading into your next match?
– Another formidable opponent awaits me in Carlitos [Alcaraz]. We had a great battle when we played in Monte Carlo, and I am hopeful that tomorrow will bring another spectacular showdown.
– What insights did you gain from your match in Monte Carlo? You were so close to victory. Surely that boosted your confidence, despite the disappointment of losing. Are you feeling optimistic?
– Yes, our match in Monte Carlo was a very positive experience overall. Naturally, I lost, but it was still a good lesson. Tomorrow will be different – we are in Spain, and he performs exceptionally well here; he has won this tournament twice before. I watched some of his match against Alex… We will see how things unfold tomorrow. It promises to be interesting, – Fils commented during his on-court interview.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely