Matteo Berrettini withdraws injured at French Open as Matteo Arnaldi progresses to face Flavio Cobolli
Berrettini started feeling at his hip in the first set. (Getty Images: Matthew Stockman)
Matteo Arnaldi came out on top in an all-Italian clash at the French Open to reach his maiden grand slam semifinal after his opponent, Matteo Berrettini, retired injured while trailing 7-5, 5-2.
Berrettini, who needed a medical timeout for what appeared to be hip pain after three games in the second set, threw in the towel at the change of ends after being encouraged to do so by his entourage.
World number 104 Arnaldi, who spent 17 hours and 42 minutes on court as he fought his way into the last eight, will face compatriot Flavio Cobolli, guaranteeing an Italian presence in the men's final despite the early exit of world number one and last year's runner-up Jannik Sinner.
Arnaldi, who had played over 10 hours in the two previous rounds, spent two hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
"It's a tough one. We both played a lot, so it's normal not to be at our best, but you never wish someone's tournament to end like this," Arnaldi said.
"We're doing such a good job in Italy. I hope he recovers, the grass season starts soon, and he's someone who is going to be tough to play against.
The battle of the Matteos ended prematurely. (Getty Images: James Fearn)
"I'm tired, that's for sure, but I train and play tennis, and to play these tournaments, these matches.
"I try to give it all I've got. I was more tired than usual and wasn't as fast I think in the first match. I was injured not long ago but I'm giving all I have now."
Cobolli showed similar composure to navigate tricky conditions and surge into his maiden grand slam semi-final with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Cobolli lost the opening set and came back from 1-3 down in the next when the playing conditions suddenly improved with the roof closed in anticipation of rain.
He blew away his Canadian opponent in style before talking about the superstitious beliefs that have helped him in his run this year in Paris, including using 14-time champion Rafa Nadal's preferred locker room shower stall.
"I'm a little bit [superstitious], but not crazy," the 10th seed said. "But this week, I'm a little bit more crazy than the others. I go to the same restaurant, the same menu, the same shower.
"Actually, I think I said in the first press conference that I used the same shower as Rafa, because I had memories with that shower. He told me it has been his shower since 14 years.
"So the best thing I'm doing [this year] … the shower."
Reuters