The French Open’s Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi, who withdrew from the semifinal because of a viral illness, were recently placed in the same press conference of the tournament. Shortly after this, fans have voiced their opinions loudly on the internet, slamming the tournament for placing both of them in the same room.
Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Arnaldi were supposed to lock horns with each other in the semi-final round of Roland Garros. However, the latter pulled out shortly before their clash because of a virus. This decision was announced just 25 minutes before they were about to enter into the court of the French Open. With this update, Cobolli smoothly made his way to the finals, where he will be competing against Alexander Zverev.
Following this, even though Arnaldi had a viral illness, he and Cobolli were made to sit in the same press conference, and this did not sit right with the fans. A picture of them sitting in the same room with just two seats apart went viral online, and the users shared their harsh opinions on X. One of the fans wrote:
“Why is this happening? Especially if one of them just withdrew with a viral illness…”
Raising questions at the French Open, another follower penned:
“So Arnaldi withdraws from the French Open while dealing with a virus and the first thing they do is stick him in the same room as Cobolli who is now in the finals against Zverev. Genius.”
Pointing fingers at Arnaldi’s decision of attending the press alongside Cobolli despite having a viral illness, another user wrote:
“It’s so unserious to pull out of your first slam semi with a viral illness but you decide to still get out of bed, make it on site, meet with the press, host a joint press conference with your would be opponent and now Roland-Garros finalist. WHEN YOU HAVE A VIRAL INFECTION.”
Taking a dig at the tournament’s officials, another fan chimed in:
“I’m sorry, did they arrange this press conference to make absolutely sure Cobolli contracts the virus in case he hasn’t yet?”
Matteo Arnaldi made his feelings known about withdrawing from his first Grand Slam semifinal
Matteo Arnaldi’s French Open semifinal clash against Flavio Cobolli was the first Grand Slam semifinal of his career; however, the Italian fell short of competing in it due to a viral illness. In the press conference following his withdrawal, he weighed in on this tough decision, revealing his health conditions, and said that he didn’t wish this feeling of missing their first Grand Slam semifinal on anyone.
“I tried to see if I could get on court but every time I get up I feel dizzy. It was the right decision to take. I just know I can’t move, I can’t eat and I can’t drink – there was no way I was able to play. It’s difficult to be here – this is not want I wanted to do. I hoped it was something from dinner but throughout the day I couldn’t eat or drink and kept going to the bathroom. Withdrawing from a first Grand Slam semi-final is not what you wish to anybody. I feel sorry for everyone who came to watch,” said Matteo Arnaldi.
Flavio Cobolli also weighed in on this situation, revealing that he almost cried when the Italian told him about the withdrawal. The finals of the French Open between Cobolli and Zverev will take place on June 7, 2026, at the Philippe-Chatrier court.
Read more:
“I Use the Same Shower as Rafael Nadal” – Flavio Cobolli Reveals His French Open 2026 Routine
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