Arnaldi Withdraws Due to Virus as Cobolli Reaches French Open Finals

Italy's Matteo Arnaldi will not take part in his scheduled French Open semi-final after illness forced him to withdraw shortly before the match, sending compatriot Flavio Cobolli directly into the championship match at Roland Garros.

The withdrawal ended what had been the most successful Grand Slam campaign of Arnaldi's career. The 25-year-old arrived in Paris without a previous major quarter-final appearance but produced a series of strong performances to reach the last four for the first time.

Tournament officials confirmed the semi-final would not be played after Arnaldi reported being unwell on Friday. The Italian later explained that a virus had left him unable to compete.

"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," Arnaldi said.

"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."

The late withdrawal came after an exhausting run through the draw. Arnaldi had spent nearly 20 hours on court during the tournament, the highest total recorded by a men's semi-finalist at a Grand Slam since 1991.

His absence means Flavio Cobolli advances to the biggest match of his career without striking a ball in the semi-final. The 24-year-old, seeded 10th in Paris, will now face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's title match after the German overcame Jakub Mensik in the other semi-final.

Cobolli acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding his progress.

"It is so, so tough. When he came to see me, I almost cried," he said.

The two Italians later appeared together before reporters, where Arnaldi revealed the illness began overnight and worsened throughout Friday. Despite efforts to recover in time, he was unable to eat, drink or train ahead of the match.

"It's difficult to be here - this is not want I wanted to do," Arnaldi said.

"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."

French Open organisers also confirmed that spectators holding tickets for the cancelled semi-final would receive full refunds.

"I feel sorry for everyone who came to watch," added Arnaldi.