Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Cobolli Reaches French Open Final After Arnaldi’s Illness Walkover

6/6/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cobolli Reaches Final

Italian Flavio Cobolli reached the French Open final after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to a viral illness.
Arnaldi announced his withdrawal on Friday, June 5, just before their semifinal match.
This walkover was the first at Roland Garros and the fourth Grand Slam semifinal since 1968.
Arnaldi's path to the semifinal was the longest recorded since 1991, totaling 19 hours 42 minutes.
Cobolli will face German Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday.

Summary

Italy Claims Final

Italy reached its first men’s French Open final since Adriano Panatta’s 1976 win, ending a 50-year drought.
The Friday semifinal was the tournament’s first all-Italian men’s semifinal, guaranteeing an Italian champion.
Matteo Arnaldi advanced after Matteo Berrettini retired injured in their quarter-final match.
Flavio Cobolli defeated fourth-seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, marking a breakout performance.

History

Historical Context

Adriano Panatta’s 1976 French Open victory— the tournament’s 75th staging held from 31 May to 14 June— remained Italy’s only men’s Grand Slam title for nearly five decades. In 2024, Flavio Cobolli’s walkover propelled Italy into its first men’s French Open final since that win, reviving national hopes and attracting new sponsorship.

1 of 3

Cobolli Reaches Final

Italian Flavio Cobolli reached the French Open final after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to a viral illness.
Arnaldi announced his withdrawal on Friday, June 5, just before their semifinal match.
This walkover was the first at Roland Garros and the fourth Grand Slam semifinal since 1968.
Arnaldi's path to the semifinal was the longest recorded since 1991, totaling 19 hours 42 minutes.
Cobolli will face German Alexander Zverev in the final on Sunday.

1 / 3