After Arnaldi’s withdrawal, Cobolli took to the pitch on Chatrier for an hour of training. In the stands his friend Bove
“Now I’m going to go train, to keep myself in rhythm for the final”, said Flavio Cobolli after reaching the first Slam final of his career due to Matteo Arnaldi’s withdrawal. A virus, an intestinal problem, forced the Ligurian not to play what would have been the first all-Italian semi-final in the history of the Slams. A great disappointment, which also left Flavio bitter. Who, with great professionalism, after praising Arnaldi (“you have been an inspiration in these two weeks”), aware of needing a bit of dribbling to not lose the rhythm in view of the final with Zverev, goes down to Philippe Chatrier to spend an hour on the court. In front of many fans, many Italians, who still want to enjoy the man who will be number 10 in the world from Monday.
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In a certain way, Cobolli nevertheless celebrates the most important result of his career. Smiling and playing tennis, amidst the applause of the audience and the proud looks of their team. To the point of happily dribbling even with a fan, who, like the Italian, will hardly forget this day. Also in the stands is Flavio’s great friend Edoardo Bove, a footballer, with whom he had shared his presence in the Roma youth team. Cobolli will continue the evening by going to dinner in his usual restaurant for the past two weeks, with his friends, celebrating a great milestone without interrupting his routine. So as to arrive in the best possible conditions for the final, Sunday at 3pm, against Zverev (“I don’t know if not having played today will help me, I’ll tell you after the match”). With the image in my head of a fan shouting “Flavio!” waving the Italian flag in the stands of Chatrier, making himself heard in the silence. The best way, with a thought for Arnaldi’s misfortune, to approach the most important match of Cobolli’s career.