Italian Triumph and Heartbreak Mark French Open Semis as Berrettini’s Run Ends in Injury
Matteo Berrettini’s French Open campaign came to a dramatic and emotional close as the Italian star retired from his quarter-final match against Matteo Arnaldi due to a left-leg injury, paving the way for an historic all-Italian semi-final. The 28-year-old Berrettini, who had defied physical setbacks to reach Paris, was forced to abandon the match at 7-5, 5-2 on Court Philippe with tears in his eyes, leaving the 104th-ranked Arnaldi to face Flavio Cobolli in a landmark showdown.
A Historic Semi-Final and Unforeseen Twists
The semi-final between Arnaldi and Cobolli marks the first all-Italian men’s grand-slam semi-final in history, a milestone that underscores the rising prominence of Italian tennis. Berrettini, the last remaining top-half finalist after Jannik Sinner’s early exit, had been a fan favorite, having reached the 2021 Wimbledon final. His injury-induced exit, however, added a layer of heartbreak to an otherwise thrilling tournament.
Arnaldi’s journey to the semis was no less remarkable. The 26-year-old, who had battled through a grueling 17 hours and 42 minutes on court to reach the last eight, overcame a rocky start against Berrettini. After losing the first three games of the second set, Arnaldi clawed back, but Berrettini’s injury timeout at 1-2 in the set signaled the turning point. The Italian crowd’s mixed emotions were palpable as Berrettini shook hands before the second set concluded.
Cobolli’s Resilience Secures Italian Finalist
Flavio Cobolli’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime ensured an Italian finalist, with the 24-year-old proving his mettle against a top-10 opponent. Cobolli, who had never defeated a top-10 player in a best-of-five-sets match, saved eight of 11 break points to secure his place, crediting his resilience to a pivotal bathroom break after the first set.
“I felt like this is the chance of my life and I have to give everything,” Cobolli said, reflecting on his gritty performance. The win also highlighted the challenges of playing under the Paris roof, a contrast to Aryna Sabalenka’s shock loss to Diana Shnaider, which was exacerbated by wind conditions.
Arnaldi’s Mixed Emotions and Berrettini’s Legacy
Arnaldi expressed both pride and sadness after his victory, acknowledging Berrettini’s “amazing tournament” and urging him to recover for the grass-court season. “He is going to be very tough to play,” Arnaldi said, emphasizing the respect between the two Italian rivals.
For Berrettini, the injury ends a campaign that showcased his determination. Despite years of physical struggles, he had electrified the crowd with his performances, particularly a thrilling three-set win over Frances Tiafoe in the previous round. His exit, however, leaves the French Open without its highest-ranked Italian since Sinner’s run in 2023.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Italian Tennis
The all-Italian semi-final not only highlights the depth of talent in Italian tennis but also sets the stage for a compelling finale. Cobolli’s potential clash with Arnaldi could redefine the narrative of the tournament, as both players aim to etch their names into grand-slam history. For Berrettini, the focus will now shift to recovery, with the grass courts of Wimbledon offering a fresh opportunity to reclaim his form.