Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, It is the first time Cobolli has defeated a top-10 ranked opponent at a major
- Published8 minutes ago
Flavio Cobolli battled past fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach his maiden major semi-final and ensure there will be an Italian player in Sunday's French Open showpiece.
The 10th seed fought back to win 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 and set up an all-Italian last-four meeting with either Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi, who face each other later on Wednesday.
It means that an Italian finalist is guaranteed - even after the shock second-round exit of overwhelming favourite Jannik Sinner.
"I don't care which Matteo is in the semi-finals. It's been the best week of my life but I'm still missing something, so I have to fight again," Cobolli said after his win.
The 24-year-old will make his top-10 debut on Monday if Jakub Mensik, who faces Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, fails to win the title in Paris.
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Both players started slowly in the blustery conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier before Canada's Auger-Aliassime pounced at 5-4 to wrap up the opening set.
Playing conditions improved after the roof was closed on the main show court, but Cobolli found himself an early break down in the second set before he rallied to win four games in a row and level the tie.
"I think we played two different matches today. The first set was incredibly windy. It was really tough to play," Cobolli said.
"I went to the toilet to think a bit. I tried to change something. I thought 'this is the best court I've played on in my life, because I can show my best tennis'.
"I said to myself to fight, this is the chance of my life and I must give everything in all my matches. So today I'm really happy."
A single break in each of the third and fourth sets was enough to see Cobolli through as he secured his semi-final spot after three hours and 24 minutes on court.
Auger-Aliassime's exit means that Cobolli and second seed Zverev are the only top-10 seeds remaining in the men's draw.
