Cobolli reaches French Open final after Arnaldi virus withdrawal

Friday, June 5, 2026Confirmed

Sports Desk

What we know

Flavio Cobolli advanced to his first Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros on Friday after fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from their semifinal with a virus about 25 minutes before the scheduled start on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Arnaldi, ranked No. 104, said he began vomiting overnight, felt dizzy whenever he stood, and could not move, eat or drink; he called withdrawing from a first Slam semi "not what you wish to anybody."

Tenth seed Cobolli will face second seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday after Zverev earlier beat Jakub Mensik in the other semi. Open-era Slam semis ending by walkover remain rare; Cobolli said he was "sad and happy at the same time" and would prepare fresh for the final.

What's confirmed

BBC/AFP: Arnaldi withdrew ~25 minutes before SF vs Cobolli with virus; Cobolli into first major final (BBC/France 24).
Independent/Tennis.com: Arnaldi said he could not move, eat or drink; fourth Open-era Slam SF walkover cited (Independent).
France 24: Zverev earlier beat Mensik; Sunday final will crown a first-time Slam champion between Zverev and Cobolli (AFP).
Roland-Garros/WTA context window: Women's final set Saturday (Andreeva vs Chwalinska) outside this Top beat.

What's still developing

Cobolli's match fitness after nearly four days without a singles match.
Arnaldi recovery and next clay/grass schedule after longest road to a Slam SF since 1991 (hours on court).
Sunday final outcome (outside Friday's Top).

Sources

BBC Sport — French Open 2026: Matteo Arnaldi withdraws before semi-final against Flavio Cobolli with virus link
France 24 — Cobolli to play Zverev in French Open final as Arnaldi withdraws link
The Independent — Matteo Arnaldi withdraws from French Open semi-final after suffering from virus link
Tennis.com — Flavio Cobolli advances to Roland Garros final after Matteo Arnaldi pulls out with viral illness link