Roland Garros, Matteo Arnaldi incredulous: "From Challenger to this in a month"

Matteo Arnaldi is the big surprise of Roland Garros 2026: the number 104 in the ATP ranking (but as of next Monday he will be at least in the top 40) over the course of these two weeks has beaten Griekspoor, Tsitsipas, Collignon, Tiafoe and Berrettini, qualifying for the first time in his career in a Slam tournament semifinal. Now between him and an incredible final in Paris is compatriot Flavio Cobolli.

His first thought, however, is of Berrettini, who was forced to retire due to injury during the match: “We both played a lot so it’s normal not to be at our best, however, you don’t wish anyone to finish tournament like that. I feel sorry for him but I know he will recover soon for the season on grass, where he is a tough opponent for all of us.”

Arnaldi has accumulated almost 20 hours of play: “I am tired but I train and play tennis for this kind of matches and tournaments, so I will give everything I have. Today I wasn’t as fast as I was in the first match but I’m here and I want to enjoy it.”

“First first Grand Slam semifinal? I can’t believe it….a month ago I was playing the challenger in Cagliari. I’ve always loved this tournament and this audience, it’s a great pleasure to be here. The match with Flavio will be fun and hopefully it will be a great match to watch.”

Awaiting him in the semifinals will be Flavio Cobolli, who in the afternoon wrote his own page of history by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in a comeback with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. The Roman tennis player, beaming after his success, had already wanted to send a thought to the two Matthews before their challenge ended: “I know there will be a Matthews in the semifinals with me. They are two very good friends, I wish them both the best of luck. It’s the best week of my life,” he had said at the end of the match. Cobolli, thanks to this result, is now one step away from the ATP Top Ten.