Flavio Cobolli reaches French Open semifinals with Nadal-inspired superstitions
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 2:11 PM
Last updated Jun 4, 2026
Flavio Cobolli advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 French Open after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The match, which lasted three hours and 24 minutes, changed direction when the Philippe-Chatrier roof was closed due to windy conditions. Cobolli attributed his success to a mix of superstitions, some inspired by Rafael Nadal, including using the same shower as the 14-time champion. He is set to face Matteo Arnaldi in an all-Italian semifinal.
- •Cobolli defeated Auger-Aliassime after losing the first set.
- •He used eight aces and converted five of ten break points.
- •Cobolli's superstitions include a specific restaurant and shower routine.
- •He cleaned Nadal's plaque before his match, honoring the champion.
- •The semifinal against Arnaldi will be historic for Italian tennis.
- 2:11 PMYahoo Sports — Flavio Cobolli’s Rafael Nadal shower story adds colour to his French Open run
- 4:47 AMYahoo Sports — ’Crazier Than Usual’ – Flavio Cobolli Details Rafael Nadal’s Role in His ‘Superstitious’ Rituals at French Open
"Flavio Cobolli is putting together the run of his life at the 2026 French Open, reaching the semifinals after defeating the fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory after three hours and 24 minutes. As the 24-year-old Italian has powered his way into his maiden Grand Slam semifinal, he admitted there is a story behind his success: getting a little “crazy” with superstitions inspired by none other than the “King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal.
"Flavio Cobolli has added an unusual off-court detail to his French Open campaign, with the Italian reportedly believing Rafael Nadal’s Roland Garros shower can give him an advantage. The story is light, but it fits the picture of a player who has been described as superstitious during tournaments.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 2:11 PMFlavio Cobolli’s Rafael Nadal shower story adds colour to his French Open run
Flavio Cobolli has added an unusual off-court detail to his French Open campaign, with the Italian reportedly believing Rafael Nadal’s Roland Garros shower can give him an advantage. The story is light, but it fits the picture of a player who has been described as superstitious during tournaments.
- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 4:47 AM’Crazier Than Usual’ – Flavio Cobolli Details Rafael Nadal’s Role in His ‘Superstitious’ Rituals at French Open
Flavio Cobolli is putting together the run of his life at the 2026 French Open, reaching the semifinals after defeating the fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory after three hours and 24 minutes. As the 24-year-old Italian has powered his way into his maiden Grand Slam semifinal, he admitted there is a story behind his success: getting a little “crazy” with superstitions inspired by none other than the “King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal.
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