Matteo Arnaldi defeats Frances Tiafoe to reach French Open quarters
Matteo Arnaldi eliminated Frances Tiafoe in a five-set marathon at Roland Garros to become the third Italian man to reach the French Open quarter-finals.
The unseeded 23-year-old outlasted the final American remaining in the men’s draw with a gruelling 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (5-7) 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 victory.
Their late-night encounter stretched beyond five and a half hours before concluding shortly after 01:00 local time on Tuesday morning.
Italian resurgence lights up Roland Garros
Arnaldi’s triumph sets up an all-Italian quarter-final clash against compatriot Matteo Berrettini.
The powerful server booked his own place in the last eight by defeating Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6).
Berrettini is making a successful return to the Parisian clay following a lengthy absence caused by persistent injuries and physical setbacks.
Tenth seed Flavio Cobolli also progressed to his maiden French Open quarter-final after overcoming American Zachary Svajda in four sets.
The former Roma youth footballer later celebrated by joining Paris St-Germain players on court as they paraded their recently acquired Champions League trophy.
“It’s for sure my favourite Grand Slam to play. We have the best feeling with the surface as Italians.”
Flavio Cobolli
Auger-Aliassime completes career milestone
Cobolli’s reward is a daunting match against fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian comprehensively beat Alejandro Tabilo 6-3 7-5 6-1 to complete a career set of reaching the quarter-finals at all four major tournaments.
Despite his consistent progression, the 23-year-old has never advanced beyond a Grand Slam semi-final.
The draw has opened up significantly following the shock second-round exit of top-ranked Italian Jannik Sinner.
“Not having Sinner in the semi-finals is another opportunity, but you need to be there.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime
