Flavio Cobolli has made headlines by reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at Roland Garros. The 24-year-old Italian player achieved this remarkable feat by defeating the talented Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals held on Wednesday. Ranked No. 14 in the world, Cobolli showed immense resilience by rallying back after losing the opening set, breaking serve five times out of 10 opportunities to secure his victory.
Cobolli’s Unique Routines for Success
Throughout his journey in Paris, Cobolli has relied on a series of personal routines that he believes help him maintain calm and focus. These rituals range from returning to the same restaurant for meals to utilizing a specific shower in the locker room that has historical significance due to its association with tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Cobolli reminisced about first noticing this particular stall during an encounter with the 14-time French Open champion, and it has since become a cherished superstition for him during this tournament.
This impressive performance at Roland Garros marks a significant turnaround for Cobolli, especially considering his early exit from the Australian Open in January, where he lost in straight sets to then-world No. 186 Arthur Fery. Arriving in Paris, Cobolli had only one previous major quarter-final appearance and had dropped three of his last four matches. However, he has managed to find his best form on the clay courts, showcasing his talent and determination.
In the upcoming semi-final, Cobolli will face a fellow Italian player on Court Philippe-Chatrier, with the opponent being either Matteo Arnaldi or Matteo Berrettini. Cobolli has expressed his intention to manage the pressure while enjoying the moment, maintaining the same enthusiasm that has propelled him through the tournament thus far. As he continues on this remarkable journey, fans and tennis enthusiasts alike are eager to see how far he can go in this prestigious event.