Full story
Arnaldi withdraws, Cobolli advances
Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from the French Open men’s semifinals on Friday, June 5 due to a viral illness, and Flavio Cobolli advanced to the final without playing the semifinal.
“Italy’s Flavio Cobolli said he was “sad and happy at the same time” after reaching his first Grand Slam final at the French Open on Friday, following the last-minute withdrawal due to illness of his last-four opponent and compatriot Matteo Arnaldi”
Arnaldi’s withdrawal came just an hour before he was due on Court Philippe-Chatrier, when tournament organisers announced he had been forced to pull out with a “virus”.
Cobolli then reached his first Grand Slam final and will meet Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final after Zverev moved past Jakub Mensik in the other semi-final.
In the first semifinal, Zverev beat Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to book his place in the championship match.
The New York Times also tied Arnaldi’s exit to a viral illness that prevented him from playing the semifinal against Cobolli.
Cobolli’s reaction, Agassi’s take
Cobolli said he was “sad and happy at the same time” after reaching his first Grand Slam final following Arnaldi’s last-minute withdrawal due to illness.
Cobolli told reporters, “When he came to me almost one hour ago, I almost cried,” describing the moment Arnaldi pulled out.
Andre Agassi reacted on June 5 by saying, “If you don't show up, you can't win,” after Arnaldi would not face Cobolli for a chance to meet Zverev in the final.
Agassi added that “This tournament has been full of so many surprises,” while calling the situation “not the kind of surprise that anybody wants to see.”
Arnaldi himself said, “I woke up at 1 a.m. and I started vomiting,” and said he tried to get ready but “every time I get up, I feel dizzy.”
Final set: Zverev vs Cobolli
With the semifinal decided by Arnaldi’s withdrawal, Cobolli will face Alexander Zverev in the final at the French Open, with the match set for Sunday.
“- Published Italy's Matteo Arnaldi says withdrawing from his first Grand Slam semi-final through illness is an experience he would "not wish on anybody"”
Zverev, who will play his fourth final in a Major, is described as the second seed and as having advanced after beating Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Panorama’s account said Cobolli will face Zverev on the Philippe Chartrier and that “domenica sul Philippe Chartrier affronterà Aleksander Zverev”.
Panorama also said the final will be presented by Adriano Panatta, noting that “E saràproprio il vincitore di cinquanta anni fa, Adriano Panatta, a consegnare la coppa al vincitore.”
Cobolli framed the moment as motivation for the title run, telling Arnaldi, “Ci sarà l'occasione per un'altra grande battaglia,” as he prepares to chase a first Grand Slam title against Zverev.
