Matteo Arnaldi Withdraws from Roland Garros Semifinal
In a stunning turn of events at Roland Garros, Italian tennis player Matteo Arnaldi, currently ranked 104th, was forced to withdraw from what would have been an all-Italian men’s Grand Slam semifinal against fellow countryman Flavio Cobolli. This unprecedented withdrawal, occurring just before the match set for Friday, marked a rare instance in the Open era—only the third time since 1968 that a player has stepped back from a men’s Grand Slam semifinal matchup.
Health Issues Leading to Withdrawal
The decision followed a night of severe illness for Arnaldi, who reported experiencing persistent vomiting and significant fatigue, conditions he suspected were due to a virus.
“I think it’s a virus because I was feeling pretty cold and had a fever. I just know that I can’t move, eat, or drink,”
he expressed during a press conference, where Cobolli sat nearby.
Arnaldi’s challenges began Thursday evening after what he assumed was a harmless dinner.
“I started feeling uneasy with my stomach and thought maybe I just didn’t digest well. But by 1 a.m., I was vomiting,”
he recounted, detailing his sleepless night. The situation worsened by the morning, and following a consultation with a doctor and taking medication, Arnaldi realized he was unable to compete.
Impact on the Tournament
His withdrawal allowed Cobolli to advance to the finals, where he is set to face second-seeded Alexander Zverev. Arnaldi previously made his way to the semifinals after opponent Matteo Berrettini retired in their quarterfinal due to a hip issue. Remarkably, Arnaldi has spent a staggering 19 hours and 42 minutes on the court across his matches, the longest journey to a semifinal in major tournaments since match time recordings began in 1991.
Reflections on the Experience
Reflecting on the disappointment of missing out on the semifinal, Arnaldi lamented,
“It’s tough because, for how the tournament was going and how many hours I spent on the court, I was feeling actually very good. To have to withdraw from the first Slam semifinal is not something that you wish on anyone,”
he stated. He acknowledged his hope of competing but ultimately admitted,
“Every time I get up, I feel dizzy. I’m pretty sure that if I eat again, I won’t feel good. So, it was the right decision for me to make.”
Cobolli shared his dismay at the situation, expressing,
“When he came to me almost one hour ago, I almost cried. Matteo is a big inspiration for all of us.”
