Italian Tennis Stars Cobolli and Arnaldi Reach French Open Semifinals PARIS -- For the first time in Grand Slam history, an all-Italian men's semifinal will take place at the French Open, with Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi set to face off on Friday. The match marks a historic moment for Italian tennis, which has not produced a male champion at Roland Garros since 1976. Cobolli, the 10th-seeded player, advanced after a grueling four-set victory over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, while Arnaldi progressed following a surprise withdrawal by fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini due to a left hip injury. Cobolli’s journey to the semifinals was marked by resilience. The 24-year-old Italian, who hails from the same Rome-based tennis club as 1976 French Open champion Adriano Panatta, overcame early challenges. Auger-Aliassime took the first set, but Cobolli regrouped, winning the next three sets to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory. The match was disrupted by an accidental loud music interruption during a critical point in the third set, which Cobolli used as a moment to recalibrate. “I went to the toilet to think a bit, to change something,” Cobolli said. “I just said to myself to fight, because I felt like this is the chance of my life and I have to give everything.” Arnaldi’s path to the semifinals was equally dramatic. The 14th-ranked Italian took control of his match against Berrettini, leading 7-5, 5-2 when the latter retired due to a hip injury. Berrettini, who had received treatment during a medical timeout earlier in the second set, was expected to continue but ultimately withdrew. “We have to be happy for Italian tennis,” Cobolli remarked, acknowledging the significance of the moment.#paris_saint_germain #flavio_cobolli #matteo_arnaldi #adriano_panatta #romes_tennis_club
