Flavio Cobolli, the 10th‑seeded Italian, edged Felix Auger‑Aliassime 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4, 6‑4 on Wednesday to book a spot in the French Open men’s semifinal. His opponent, Matteo Arnaldi, advanced after Matteo Berrettini retired with a left‑hip injury, trailing 7‑5, 5‑2. The match marked the first all‑Italian men’s semifinal in Grand Slam history.

Cobolli’s run has seen him drop only two sets in five matches, while Arnaldi entered the second round as the world’s 104th. The Italian pair will face each other Friday at Court Philippe Chatrier. Their appearance could push Cobolli into the top 10 next week, raising his ranking to a career‑best position.

The victory for Arnaldi came after Berrettini received treatment during a medical timeout in the second set. The Italian’s retirement left the field open for the two newcomers, while top‑seeded Alexander Zverev and 26th‑seeded Jakub Mensik await their own semifinal clash. The tournament now shifts focus to the Italian showdown.

Cobolli’s success echoes the legacy of 1976 champion Adriano Panatta, a fellow member of Rome’s Tennis Club Parioli. With the French Open trophy on the line, the Italian duo’s match will decide who will lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires and cement a historic moment for Italian tennis. The stage is set for a dramatic encounter.