Flavio Cobolli guaranteed a place in the Roland Garros final without entering the court. The Italian tennis player number 14 in the world advanced directly after his compatriot Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to a virus. The duel was scheduled for this Friday (5) at Philippe-Chatrier.
Arnaldi felt the effects of the disease during the early hours of the morning. Ele reported difficulty sleeping and symptoms that prevented him from competing in the first semifinal of his career in Grand Slam. Organizers confirmed the withdrawal a few hours before the scheduled start.
Alexander Zverev, in turn, confirmed his presence in the decision. The German number 3 in the world overcame the Czech Jakub Mensik in four sets. The score was 7-5, 6-2, 3-6 and 6-3. Zverev needed just over two hours to complete the victory and reach his fourth major final.
Arnaldi regrets lost opportunity in the semi
Matteo Arnaldi was coming off an exhausting campaign on Paris. Ele spent over 19 hours on court throughout the tournament. The Italian overcame physical and emotional challenges, including Matteo Berrettini’s withdrawal from the quarterfinals due to injury.
The virus arrived at a bad time. Arnaldi described the night before as difficult. Ele was unable to rest properly and woke up feeling nauseous and dizzy. The decision not to play came after a medical evaluation.
- Arnaldi reached the semi-finals for the first time in an Grand Slam
- Ele faced six matches before the semi, with a high volume of games
- The withdrawal avoided greater health risks on the court
- Cobolli and Arnaldi are friends and companions of Davis Cup
- The tournament maintained its schedule for the final on Sunday
The tennis player appeared at a press conference after the announcement. Ele expressed frustration with how his journey ended, but wished his friend Cobolli good luck. Arnaldi prioritized recovery for the next commitments of the season.
Cobolli celebrates unprecedented classification
Flavio Cobolli is experiencing the best moment of his career on clay. The 23-year-old Italian reaches his first Grand Slam final. Ele was coming off convincing wins in the previous rounds and would have faced an even match against Arnaldi.
Walkover classification generates mixed feelings. Cobolli recognized his compatriot’s bad luck, but took the opportunity to rest before the decision. The number 10 in the world (approximate position in the tournament) has shown consistency over the last few weeks.
Zverev and Cobolli have already faced each other twice in 2026 on clay. Cada one won a match. Recent history indicates balance, with games decided in tight sets.
Zverev surpasses Mensik and seeks Slam’s first title
Alexander Zverev controlled much of the game against Jakub Mensik. The German started ahead with clear sets, conceded the third, but closed with authority in the fourth. Mensik, 20 years old, showed quality in the tie-break and in the third set, but did not maintain the pace.
The victory takes Zverev to the Roland Garros finals for the second time. Ele seeks to break the fast of major titles. The German has lost finals in previous Grand Slams and sees this edition as a concrete chance.
Cobolli, on the other hand, comes in as a relative underdog. Sua clay season has been solid, with good performance in preparatory tournaments. Sunday’s final marks the highlight of his career so far.
Caminho from finalists to decision
Cobolli came through tough opponents in the early rounds. Ele kept his serve consistent and explored his backhand well. Physical preparation allowed him to arrive fresh at the final stretch.
Zverev faced greater pressure in some games. Contra Mensik, he needed to adjust his game after losing the third set. The German demonstrated maturity by quickly regaining control.
The final is scheduled for this Sunday (7) at Philippe-Chatrier. The winner takes the Roland Garros 2026 trophy and important points in the ranking.
What to expect from the clash
The two tennis players know the Parisian clay well. Zverev has more experience on big stages, while Cobolli carries the momentum of someone on the rise. The 2026 record on clay shows alternating victories.
- Zverev beat Madri in the quarters
- Cobolli got the better of Munique in the semi
- Ambos has good serve and aggressive return
- The match must be defined in details and physical resistance
The tournament confirmed that the final will be between these two players. Arnaldi’s absence changed the scenario, but opened up space for an unprecedented duel in Grand Slam.