An Unthinkable Decision

Arnaldi’s withdrawal, announced just hours before the scheduled match, sends Cobolli directly to his first Grand Slam final, where he will face Alexander Zverev. The Italian’s condition deteriorated rapidly overnight, with repeated vomiting episodes and a complete inability to keep down fluids or medication.

“I tried to get ready and tried to stay as much as I could here and tried to see if I could go on court,” Arnaldi said in a statement released by the French Tennis Federation. “But every time I get up, I feel dizzy, and I don’t feel like the best. I’m pretty sure if I eat again, I’m not going to feel good. That was the right decision for me to take.”

“I can’t move, and I can’t eat, and I can’t drink… There was really no way that I will be able to play.”

The withdrawal marks a devastating turn for Arnaldi, who had spent hours on court earlier in the tournament and was feeling physically strong until Thursday evening. “Yesterday I was feeling okay,” he recalled. “I came here to practice. I did everything I had to do, and I was feeling fine. Then I had dinner. I started to feel so-so with my stomach.”

What began as mild discomfort escalated into a nightmare. Arnaldi woke at 1 a.m. Vomiting violently and spent the rest of the night unable to sleep. By morning, he was retching again, his body rejecting even the medication he took in hopes of recovery.

From Modena to Paris: A Semifinal Built on Drama

Arnaldi’s path to this semifinal was anything but ordinary. After years of grinding through the ATP Tour’s lower tiers, he earned his first Grand Slam semifinal by default—when Berrettini retired during their quarterfinal due to a shoulder injury. The victory catapulted Arnaldi into the last four at Roland-Garros for the first time in his career, a milestone he had chased since turning professional.

The semifinal against Cobolli, a fellow Italian and close friend, was set to be an emotional showdown. The two had trained together, shared the court, and supported each other throughout the tournament. Arnaldi’s withdrawal leaves Cobolli as the sole Italian representative in the final, a bittersweet outcome given the circumstances.

What Happens Next?

Cobolli, who will now face Zverev in the final on Sunday, June 8 at 14:00 UTC (08:00 MDT), has called the withdrawal “very tough news” for Arnaldi. “He’s a great guy and a great player,” Cobolli told reporters. “I’m really sorry for him. What we have is not how he wanted to end his tournament.”

Arnaldi’s health remains the top priority. A spokesperson for the Italian Tennis Federation confirmed that he is receiving medical attention at the tournament’s medical center and will undergo further tests to determine the exact nature of the illness. There is no indication of how long his recovery will take or whether he will be able to compete in the near future.

Key Takeaways

• Cobolli advances to his first Grand Slam final, facing Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
• Arnaldi’s withdrawal was due to a severe viral illness causing repeated vomiting and dizziness.
• No Italian men will contest the final, as Cobolli is the sole representative after Arnaldi’s exit.
• Arnaldi’s health is being monitored, with no immediate return to competition expected.
• The semifinal match would have been a rare Italian showdown, given Arnaldi and Cobolli’s close friendship.

How to Follow the Final

The Roland-Garros men’s final between Flavio Cobolli and Alexander Zverev will be broadcast live on official channels, with coverage available globally. For updates on Arnaldi’s condition, follow the Italian Tennis Federation or the French Tennis Federation.

Reader Questions: What This Means for Italian Tennis

Arnaldi’s withdrawal raises questions about the depth of Italy’s men’s tennis program ahead of the Olympics and beyond. With only Cobolli remaining in the final, the focus shifts to whether the Italian team can capitalize on this momentum. Here’s what we know:

• Olympic implications: Cobolli’s performance in Paris could determine Italy’s Olympic quota spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
• ATP rankings impact: Arnaldi’s sudden exit disrupts his ranking trajectory, while Cobolli’s final appearance could boost his world ranking.
• Next-generation talent: The withdrawal highlights the need for Italy to develop younger players like Lorenzo Musetti, who will be key in filling the void.

The Agony of the Decision

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Arnaldi shared the emotional weight of his decision. “For how the tournament was, for how many hours I spent on court, I was feeling actually very good,” he said. “To have to withdraw from the first Slam semifinal is not something that you wish to anybody.”

The illness struck without warning, turning Arnaldi’s dream semifinal into a nightmare. His description of the symptoms—dizziness, inability to eat or drink, and persistent vomiting—paints a picture of a body betraying him at the worst possible moment.

For fans who had followed Arnaldi’s journey from the Challenger Tour to the Grand Slam stage, the news was a gut punch. The 25-year-old had spent years building toward this moment, and now, just hours before the match, it was over.

What’s Next for Arnaldi?

Arnaldi’s immediate focus is recovery. While the Italian Tennis Federation has not released a timeline for his return, sources close to the player suggest he will take at least a week off to rest and regain his strength. Whether he can return in time for the grass-court season remains uncertain.

In the meantime, Cobolli will carry the hopes of Italian tennis into the final. His path to the championship now begins where Arnaldi’s ended—on Court Philippe-Chatrier, under the bright Parisian lights.