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Cobolli through to final as Arnaldi withdraws with virusImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Matteo Arnaldi (left) and Flavio Cobolli have represented Italy together at the Davis CupByJonathan Jurejko
Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi says withdrawing from his first Grand Slam semi-final through illness is an experience he would “not wish on anybody”.
Arnaldi, 25, was due to play his close friend Flavio Cobolli in the French Open last four on Friday, but pulled out shortly before the match because of a virus.
The announcement was made at about 17:35 BST, 25 minutes before the Italian pair were due to walk out on court in Paris.
“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,” stated 104th-ranked Arnaldi, who had never previously gone past the fourth round of a major.
“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.”
Cobolli, 24, will play German second seed and title favourite Alexander Zverev – who beat Jakub Mensik – in his first major final on Sunday.
“It is so, so tough. When he came to see me, I almost cried,” stated 10th seed Cobolli.
Image source, Getty ImagesCobolli (left) and Arnaldi sat well apart in their news conference
The two players appeared together at a news conference within minutes of Arnaldi’s withdrawal being revealed.
In order to avoid Cobolli getting ill, the pair cautiously sat at opposite ends of the interview table.
Arnaldi described how he became ill on Thursday night, waking up with stomach ache at about 1am.
He stated he began vomiting and was unable to sleep before calling a doctor to his room in the morning.
“It’s difficult to be here – this is not want I wanted to do,” Arnaldi stated.
“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.”
Arnaldi had spent 19 hours and 42 minutes on court en route to the semi-finals in Paris – the longest anyone has played on their way to the last four of a major since 1991.
Arnaldi apologised to the 15,000 fans, with the majority having already arrived at Roland Garros for the match.
Ticket-holders will receive a full refund, French Open organisers stated.
“I feel sorry for everyone who came to watch,” added Arnaldi.
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