24-year-old Flavio Cobolli knocks world No. 6 Félix Auger-Aliassime out of the tournament. This ensures an all-Italian semifinal at the French Open.
Flavio Cobolli has reached the semifinals of the French Open, making Italian tennis history. On Wednesday, the 24-year-old defeated world No. 6 Félix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Since Cobolli’s compatriots Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi will face off in the final quarterfinal match this evening, there will be an all-Italian semifinal matchup at a Grand Slam for the first time ever.
“I realized this was the chance of a lifetime,” said Cobolli, who has reached the final four of a Grand Slam for the first time: “I’m very happy.”
On his seventh attempt, Cobolli celebrated his first victory at a major against a top-ten opponent. Auger-Aliassime, who was the only player in the top ten—along with Alexander Zverev—to reach the quarterfinals, missed out on becoming the first Canadian player ever to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros.
French Open: An Italian Secures a Spot in the Final
In windy conditions, Auger-Aliassime took the first set, then the roof over Court Philippe-Chatrier was closed. Under different conditions, Cobolli then fought back impressively—ensuring that, despite the early exit of top favorite Jannik Sinner, an Italian will be in Sunday’s final.