Roland-Garros: Unexpected all-Italian duel, Zverev on a mission

Roland-Garros is set for an unexpected all-Italian semifinal clash between Matteo Arnaldi and Flavio Cobolli. The match on the Philippe-Chatrier court is a testament to the strength of Italian tennis, a nation that has won the last three Davis Cup titles.

While Cobolli, seeded 10th, is a mild surprise in the final four, Arnaldi's presence is even more unexpected. The world No. 104 has battled through nearly 20 hours of play to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal, a grueling journey that raises questions about his energy levels for the upcoming match against his compatriot.

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For me, it's quite simple: it's about playing well. I've said it before, I need to trust my game, my tennis, myself. If I play well, then 99% of the work is done.

Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev, a perennial contender seeking his maiden Grand Slam title, enters his semifinal against Jakub Mensik as the clear favorite. Zverev has navigated the tournament efficiently, dropping only one set and spending significantly less time on court than his younger opponent. He aims to overcome the pressure and finally achieve his Grand Slam dream.

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We know each other very well. We've played each other a lot since we were 11 or 12 years old. I hope it's going to be a good fight.