French Open quarterfinals see Cobolli advance, Berrettini and Arnaldi battle
3 minutes read
👁 13 views 
French Open 2026 live updates: Quarterfinals latest with Berrettini and Arnaldi on court after shock Sabalenka exit - The New York Times
Cobolli secures semi-final spot
Flavio Cobolli, the 10th seed, has advanced to his first major semi-final at the French Open, guaranteeing an Italian presence in Sunday’s final. He overcame fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in a match that lasted three hours and 24 minutes, with a final score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
The victory sets up an all-Italian semi-final clash for Cobolli against either Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi. This ensures that an Italian player will reach the final, despite the earlier exit of favourite Jannik Sinner in the second round.
Cobolli expressed his determination after the match, stating he would fight again regardless of his opponent. He also stands to make his debut in the top 10 world rankings on Monday if Jakub Mensik, who is scheduled to play Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, does not win the title in Paris.
The match against Auger-Aliassime began with challenging, blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier. Auger-Aliassime secured the first set at 5-4. Conditions improved after the roof was closed on the main court, but Cobolli found himself an early break down in the second set. He then rallied, winning four consecutive games to level the tie.
Cobolli reflected on the change in play, noting the first set was difficult due to the wind. He made a strategic adjustment during a break, telling himself to fight and seize the opportunity. A single break in both the third and fourth sets was sufficient for Cobolli to secure his semi-final berth.
Berrettini and Arnaldi in intense quarter-final
Compatriots Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi are currently competing in their quarter-final match on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris. The winner of this match will face Cobolli in the semi-finals.
The match began with Berrettini, wearing light blue, and Arnaldi, in a slightly different shade of light blue, warming up. Berrettini, aged 30, was making a return to the late stages of a Grand Slam after a four-year absence. Arnaldi, 25, who is currently outside the top 100, had previously achieved a comeback victory against Frances Tiafoe.
Berrettini, ranked 105th, and Arnaldi, ranked 106th, are both expected to see their world rankings improve significantly after their performances in Paris. Berrettini’s career high in singles was No. 6 in 2022, while Arnaldi reached No. 30 in August 2024.
The opening set of their quarter-final has been marked by several momentum shifts. Berrettini initially took a 3-0 lead, securing an early break. However, Arnaldi quickly responded, breaking back and then winning three consecutive games to level the score at 3-3. Arnaldi’s strong play included a stunning drop shot that landed precisely on the chalk.
The eighth game of the first set proved to be a marathon, featuring multiple deuces and break points. Arnaldi had several opportunities to break, including an eighth break point, but Berrettini saved them, including one with an ace. Berrettini eventually held serve, levelling the set at 4-4 after a prolonged battle.
Arnaldi then secured a quick hold to 15, taking a 5-4 lead in the first set. Berrettini responded by holding his serve after some stellar shotmaking, bringing the score to 5-5. Earlier in the day, world No. 1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the tournament by Diana Shnaider (25) with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0. Shnaider is scheduled to play Polish qualifier Maja Chwalińska in the semi-final tomorrow.
About the Author
