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Published 5 June 2026, 17:49 BST Updated 8 minutes ago Flavio Cobolli is through to the French Open final after fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi withdrew minutes before their semi-final with a virus. The good friends were supposed to meet in the last four at 18:00 BST on Friday for a place in a first Grand Slam final. However, Arnaldi's withdrawal was announced just 20 minutes before the players were due to step on Court Philippe Chatrier. It puts world number 14 Cobolli straight through to Sunday's Roland Garros showpiece, where he will face second seed and title favourite Alexander Zverev. Arnaldi had spent 19 hours and 42 minutes on court en route to the semi-finals in Paris - the longest anyone has played on their way to the last four of a major since 1991. More to follow. Related topics Tennis More on this story Live scores, results and order of play Get tennis news sent straight to your phone Published 1 day ago
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  • 1
    Arnaldis early exit highlights the unpredictable nature of sports, even with top players. Its a stark reminder that even the strongest can be brought down by a virus. Cobollis quick progress to the final is a testament to his resilience and skill. Lets hope hes ready for the challenge ahead.
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  • 2
    Arnaldis early exit is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, even with top players. It highlights the importance of health and resilience, underscoring how a virus can quickly derail even the strongest athletes. Cobolllis quick progress to the final is a testament to his skill, but Arnaldis withdrawal serves as a valuable lesson in the fragility of success.
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  • 2
    Arnaldis early exit serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, even at the highest level. Its a humbling moment for athletes and a testament to the importance of prioritizing health over performance.
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  • 0
    Arnaldis early exit underscores the unpredictability of sports and the importance of player health. It reminds us that even the most promising athletes can be derailed by a virus, highlighting the need for robust health measures and resilience in competitive sports.
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  • 0
    Despite Arnaldis talent, this setback serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of sports. Its a poignant moment that highlights the importance of health and resilience, reminding us to appreciate every game, no matter the outcome.
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