Italy’s Flavio Cobolli broke new ground at the French Open on Wednesday, storming into his maiden major semifinal with a four-set victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the men’s singles under the Chatrier roof at Stade Roland Garros in Paris.
The 24-year-old Italian recovered from losing the first set to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory and reach his first semifinal at a major. With this win, Cobolli will set up a clash with either Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi in Friday’s semifinals, guaranteeing an Italian presence in the men’s final on Sunday.
The youngster from Rome began the event as World No. 14 and moved up to No. 10 in the ATP Live Rankings, the highest ranking of his career.
“It’s been the best week of my life,” the Italian said on court.
In an explosive performance under the roof on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the 24-year-old Italian earned a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over fourth-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was aiming to reach the last four at a major for the third time.
“I think we played two different matches today. The first set was incredibly windy and tough to play,” Cobolli said of the conditions before the roof was closed at the start of the second set.
“I went to the toilet to think a bit and change something. This is the best court I have ever played on because I can bring my best tennis. I told myself to keep fighting because I felt this would be the chance of my life, and I had to give everything in my matches. Today, I did it.”
After not dropping a set in his first three matches in Paris, Cobolli showed a few nerves in his win against Zachary Svajda in the fourth round. The three-time tour-level titlist eventually overcame the American in a fourth-set tie-break and looked more assured throughout his three-hour, 23-minute victory over Auger-Aliassime.
The Italian demonstrated excellent footwork to dictate with his forehand and played well on the pressure points, winning 10 of the 14 points played at 30-all during the match.
It was the first time Cobolli had defeated a Top-10 opponent at a major (1-6), and he moved up four spots to No. 10 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. The 24-year-old will make his Top-10 debut on Monday if Jakub Mensik fails to win the title. The Czech will meet Alexander Zverev in the other semifinal on Friday.
Just two wins away from claiming his maiden major title, Cobolli will play a countryman in the semifinals: Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi. It is the third time two Italians have reached the semifinals of a major, after Nicola Pietrangeli and Orlando Sirola at Roland Garros in 1960 and Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti in Paris last year.
“I will follow the same routine as every day. I will go to dinner with my friends. I will go to bed and sleep,” Cobolli said when asked if he would watch the second quarterfinal.
“It will be a Matteo in the semifinals with me. They are two of my good friends on the Tour, and I wish them good luck. I hope they enjoy the match.”
With his quarterfinal victory, Cobolli has also guaranteed the first all-Italian men’s major semifinal in history, ensuring there will be an Italian in Sunday’s final. The last Italian man to win Roland Garros was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
(IANS)
