Arthur Cazaux: The Unexpected

Arthur Cazaux on a tennis court

Arthur Cazaux, 22 years old, embodies the magical alchemy of sport, where the best-written scripts are those we hadn’t anticipated. Ranked 85th in the world, this Montpellier native could have remained in the shadows of the Rolex Paris Masters. And yet, here he is, shining under the spotlight of the round of 16, buoyed by an unexpected victory against the American Ben Shelton (6-3, 7-6). A last-minute lucky loser, picked up like a wildcard fallen from the sky, Cazaux has proven he knows how to seize his chance. Over the past few months, volatility has been marked. However, he has skillfully juggled the highs and lows. In this way, he has earned a place among the elite. And he did so with complete nonchalance.

A journey filled with disappointments and comebacks

Arthur Cazaux hasn’t toured the courts like one walks a well-marked path. It’s a bumpy road, worthy of a scenario where triumphs meet setbacks. His rapid ascent propelled him to the top of the rankings. However, the downside was not long in coming. He suffered injuries and frustrating defeats. Additionally, he struggled with dehydration under the scorching Miami sun. But it’s not just a simple "comeback" that brings him back to the courts. No, Cazaux has this unquenchable flame that drives him to defy fate. In January, he had already made a splash by defeating the Dane Holger Rune at the Australian Open, a feat that will remain etched in the annals, even if the physical aftermath slowed his momentum. No matter: with each fall, he rises again, and this fierce resilience has become his signature.

In a twist worthy of a tale, he enters the Rolex Paris Masters thanks to the withdrawal of Jannik Sinner, who was ill. Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Cazaux did not falter. He vanquished Ben Shelton, then ranked 19th, with the cold determination of a champion. Even better, he conceded only two points on his serve during the first set, mimicking a metronome in full tempo.

Tenacity: Cazaux’s weapon

This boy has guts, and he proves it with every swing of the racket. Countless victories in Challenger have helped forge his steel mind. At the same time, the disappointments encountered in ATP have enriched his emotional palette. This dual dimension, half-pain, half-brilliance, Cazaux claims with humor and simplicity. In Australia, he laughingly confided that his mindset had surpassed Rune’s talent. Today, he knows the stakes have risen: "He will surely want to take his revenge, and I will make sure he doesn’t forget me!" he says with a wink. This humor, this detachment, are also part of his arsenal. It’s no surprise that he cultivated this resilience from childhood, on the courts of Montpellier.

Cazaux turned professional in 2020. He is part of the young French generation, alongside Arthur Fils and Ugo Humbert. This generation does not settle for promises. The young Montpellier native aims high, and he moves forward with calm assurance, rooted in the seriousness of work and the pleasure of the game.

Elegance in the stroke and a masterful serve

His serve is more than a weapon: it’s a style, a trademark. Against Shelton, Cazaux served with the precision of a watchmaker. In just 29 minutes, the first set was wrapped up. It’s not just a matter of raw power; it’s mastery of every moment, as if each point was already inscribed in his game plan. His stroke is clean, his technique simple, each shot calculated without ever seeming forced. Even against the toughest opponents, Cazaux remains unflappable, endowed with that almost arrogant serenity of the greatest. As if, facing his opponents, he said to himself: "Come on, your turn to try."

His success is not due to isolated flashes of brilliance. Cazaux is as much a strategist as an attacker, combining a tactical game with lightning strikes. In Paris, he brilliantly outwitted Shelton, using concentration and anticipation to neutralize the American’s attacks. He saves a set point with an impeccable outside serve. At that moment, the crowd erupts. They witness his quiet audacity, which is his true strength.

France in turmoil: five players in the round of 16

With this triumph, Cazaux joins a group of French talents in the round of 16 of the Rolex Paris Masters, a feat shared with Rinderknech, Humbert, Fils, and Mannarino. It’s an almost nostalgic scene for a country dreaming of a new wave after Tsonga, Monfils, and Simon. Arthur Cazaux, with his simplicity and honest smile, brings that freshness, that authenticity that seemed to be missing in French tennis.

On the eve of his next duel against Rune, Cazaux’s journey continues to captivate. This sports enthusiast, a fan of Stephen Curry‘s exploits, fascinates as much with his shots as with his personality. Every smile, every little word slipped in a press conference makes him more endearing. A rising star? More than just a star, Cazaux embodies what tennis can offer most precious: the unexpected and pure emotion.

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