French tennis player Arthur Fils will officially enter the ATP top 10 at world No. 9 on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The milestone comes even as he must play through the qualifying rounds at the ATP 500 Japan Open in Tokyo because of an administrative registration error.
The 22-year-old becomes the 13th Frenchman to break into the world top 10 since the ATP rankings were created in 1973.
He is the first French player to reach the milestone since Gaël Monfils in October 2020 and the second youngest behind Richard Gasquet.
Fils started the year ranked 41st in the world.
Strong season and elite praise
Fils secured the spot after strong performances this season, including a final appearance in Doha and titles in Barcelona and at the Cincinnati Masters 1000.
He also reached semi-finals in Miami and Madrid, while ranking drops for America's Taylor Fritz and Australia's Alex de Minaur aided his rise.
Former world No. 10 Lucas Pouille reflected on the young Frenchman's achievement and overall trajectory.
"He reached this ranking without playing two Grand Slams, the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, so this is a big step in his quest, which is to win a Grand Slam," said Lucas Pouille, former French tennis player.
"Today, for me in terms of pure playing level, he belongs to the two or three players right behind Sinner and Alcaraz, who are still well ahead.
Today, he has the opportunity to achieve great things. He won't stop here."
Pouille added further praise regarding the 22-year-old's standing among the world's elite players.
"Now, for me, in terms of pure level of play, he belongs to the two or three players who follow Sinner and Alcaraz, who are still well ahead," said Pouille.
Despite his rising status, Fils missed the direct entry registration deadline for the Tokyo tournament.
The 2024 champion was unable to secure one of the three wild cards, which organizers awarded to Japanese players, forcing him to compete as the top seed in the qualifying draw.
The Frenchman opens his qualifying campaign on Monday against American Martin Damm, with a potential second-round match against Kamil Majchrzak or Lorenzo Sonego.
A final qualifying round could set up a rematch against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated Fils in the first round of the US Open.
