Flavio Cobolli reaches French Open semifinals with Nadal-inspired superstitions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 4:47 AM
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.
- 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.
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