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“Whoever dreams the most wins.” It is Flavio Cobolli’s mantra, which continues to accompany the extraordinary Italian adventure at Roland Garros. The Parisian Slam, left without world number one Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, is looking for new protagonists and finds in Italy one of the best surprises of the tournament.
In fact, three Italians reached the quarter-finals of the men’s draw, an unprecedented result in a Slam tournament: in addition to Cobolli there are Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi, protagonists of a historic ride.
Cobolli looks for the feat, derby between the two Matteos
The decisive day will open with Cobolli’s match against the Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, number five in the world ranking. The Roman arrives at the event after overcoming Zachary Svajda and is now called upon to make a further leap in quality to chase the semi-final.
In the evening, the spotlight will be on the derby between Berrettini and Arnaldi, which will guarantee Italy at least a place among the best four of the tournament. Berrettini comes from the success against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, while Arnaldi achieved one of the most exciting feats of the tournament by overcoming Frances Tiafoe after more than five hours of battle.
«At a certain point it wasn’t tennis anymore, it was something else. I was just playing with everything I had. There had to be a winner and luckily it was me”, said Arnaldi at the end of the marathon.
Italian tennis beyond Sinner
For former tennis player Vincenzo Santopadre, Roland Garros confirms the depth of the Italian movement. «In Paris we have proof of how our tennis is alive as never before. It’s exceptional to see three Italians in the quarterfinals. What amazes me the most is Arnaldi, who just a month ago was playing the Cagliari Challenger.”
Even the president of Fitp, Angelo Binaghi, praised the moment of Italian tennis: «We are the strongest in the world. The boys also surpass themselves thanks to the example of their leader, Sinner, who showed everyone how to face difficulties.”
Bolelli and Vavassori fly to the semifinals
Good news for the blue colors also comes from the double. Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori reached the semi-final by beating Petr Nouza and Neil Oberleitner with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 7-6, returning among the best couples at Roland Garros two years after the last time.
While the tournament tries to identify its new king, with Alexander Zverev among the main candidates for the title after reaching the semi-finals, Italy continues to cultivate its dream. And this time, even without Sinner, there are still many cards to play.