Cobolli reaches first Slam semi-final at Roland Garros, guaranteeing an Italian in the Paris final

Flavio Cobolli produced a career-defining performance on Wednesday, overcoming Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets to reach the semi-finals of Roland Garros. The victory, achieved in three hours and 24 minutes, guarantees an Italian presence in Sunday's final, as Cobolli will face the winner of the all-Italian quarter-final between Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi.

A match of two halves

The contest on Court Philippe-Chatrier was heavily influenced by the elements. Strong gusts of wind dominated the opening set, making clean ball-striking difficult. Auger-Aliassime, the world number four, capitalised on Cobolli's early nerves to take the first set 6-4 after an hour of play. The turning point arrived at the end of that set, when tournament organisers closed the roof as a storm approached. Playing indoors, Cobolli found his rhythm.

Today was two different matches. In the first set there was a lot of wind and it was really difficult to play. I went to the bathroom to reflect, to try to change something. I had to fight, I thought it was the chance of my life.

The comeback

Auger-Aliassime raced to a 3-1 lead in the second set, but Cobolli responded with four consecutive games to level the match. The third set remained on serve until 3-3, when Cobolli unleashed a forehand passing shot to break. He saved three break points in the following game, winning a gruelling 23-shot rally, before closing out the set 6-4. The fourth set followed a similar pattern: Cobolli broke in the fifth game and held firm to seal the victory.

This is my favourite court, where I can express my best tennis. I told myself to fight, it was the chance of my life, I did it and I am very happy.

Ranking and prize money implications

With the semi-final, Cobolli climbs to 10th in the live ATP rankings with 3,040 points, entering the top ten for the first time. He cannot overtake ninth-placed Taylor Fritz (3,720 points) even by reaching the final, which would lift him to 3,540 points. Only the title would trigger a dramatic leap, propelling him to fifth in the world with 4,240 points. There is one scenario where Cobolli could drop back to 11th: if he loses in the semi-final and Jakub Mensik wins the tournament.

The financial stakes are equally significant. Cobolli has already secured €750,000 for reaching the semi-final. A final appearance would bring €1,400,000, while the champion's cheque stands at €2,800,000.

An Italian finalist guaranteed

Cobolli's victory ensures that Italy will have a representative in the men's singles final. The other quarter-final in the top half of the draw pits Berrettini against Arnaldi, meaning Cobolli will face a compatriot and close friend in the last four. "I know there will be a Matteo in the semi-final with me, they are both great friends and I hope they enjoy the match," Cobolli said. He also joked that Italian federation president Angelo Binaghi "will be happy to see an Italian in the final."

This is the best week of my life, only something is missing, but I will have to keep fighting.