Arnaldi reaches maiden Grand Slam semi-final as Berrettini retires injured at Roland Garros

Matteo Arnaldi reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros on Wednesday after his Italian compatriot Matteo Berrettini retired injured while trailing in their match. Berrettini, hampered by apparent hip pain, decided to withdraw after encouragement from his entourage.

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It's a tough one. We both ⁠played a lot, so it's ‌normal not to be at ‌our best, but you never wish someone's tournament to end like ‌this.

Arnaldi, who had endured a grueling path to the quarterfinals, spent two hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier to secure the win. "It's a tough one. We both played a lot, so it's normal not to be at our best, but you never wish someone's tournament to end like this," Arnaldi said after the match. He acknowledged the strong performance of Italian tennis players this season, hoping for Berrettini's swift recovery.

His semi-final opponent will be Flavio Cobolli, who also advanced to his first Grand Slam semi-final. Cobolli showed resilience, coming back from a set down to defeat fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. Cobolli attributed some of his success to superstitious beliefs, including using Rafael Nadal's preferred locker room shower stall.

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We're doing such a good job in Italy. I hope he recovers, the grass season starts soon, and he's someone who is going to be tough to play against.

"Actually, I think I said in the first press conference that I used the same shower as Rafa, because I had memories with that shower. He told me it has been his shower since 14 years," Cobolli shared. The win guarantees an Italian finalist in the men's singles, a significant achievement for the nation's tennis.

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I'm tired, that's for sure, but I train and play tennis, and to play these tournaments, these matches.

Arnaldi's journey to the final four involved over 17 hours of play, highlighting his determination. The early exit of world number one Jannik Sinner means the final will feature at least one Italian player, regardless of Arnaldi or Cobolli's success.

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I try ⁠to give it all I've got. I was more tired than usual and wasn't as ‌fast ‌I think in the first match. I ​was injured not long ago but I'm giving all I have now.