Flavio Cobolli Stuns Auger-Aliassime to Reach First Grand Slam Semifinal at French Open 2026

Flavio Cobolli has pulled off one of the most impressive wins of his career, defeating fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first ever Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros 2026. The Italian 10th seed fought back brilliantly after losing the opening set, dominating the final three sets to book his place in the last four in Paris.

How the Match Unfolded

Auger-Aliassime took the opening set 6-4, looking sharp and aggressive on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Canadian's powerful serve and clean ball-striking had him in control early, and it appeared the fourth seed was on course to reach his first ever French Open semifinal.

But Cobolli refused to go away. The Italian dug deep in the second set, finding a way through Auger-Aliassime's defences to level at one set apiece with a 6-4 win. From that moment the match turned completely. Cobolli's movement, consistency, and rally control began to take over, and the Canadian — who had led so convincingly — could find no answer.

The third and fourth sets both went to Cobolli 6-4, with the Italian growing in confidence with every game while Auger-Aliassime's level visibly dropped. The final scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 told the full story — a dominant comeback that shattered the Canadian's dreams of a first Grand Slam semifinal.

Cobolli Makes History

For Flavio Cobolli the victory is a career-defining moment. The 24-year-old Italian — who famously played football in Roma's youth academy alongside Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori before switching to tennis full-time — has now reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros, the biggest result of his professional career.

The win moves Cobolli into the world top 10 for the first time — a remarkable achievement for a player who has steadily built his game over the past two seasons and is now reaping the rewards of that development.

An All-Italian Semifinal Guarantee

Cobolli's victory guarantees that there will be at least one Italian in the French Open final. His semifinal opponent will be either Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi — who faced each other in an all-Italian quarterfinal on the same day. The prospect of a Cobolli vs Berrettini or Cobolli vs Arnaldi semifinal has sent Italian tennis fans into a frenzy.

The other semifinal will see second seed Alexander Zverev take on 26th seed Jakub Mensik — the Czech teenager who has been one of the most exciting stories of Roland Garros 2026.

Auger-Aliassime's Heartbreak

For Felix Auger-Aliassime, the defeat is a painful end to what was still his best ever French Open campaign. The Canadian had never previously gone further than the fourth round at Roland Garros, and reaching the quarterfinals represented genuine progress. But having led the match by a set he will know he had the opportunity to go further — and the collapse in the final three sets will sting for some time.

Canada will be disappointed but proud. Auger-Aliassime remains one of the most talented players on the ATP Tour and this deep run at Roland Garros is further evidence that a Grand Slam breakthrough is coming — perhaps just not today.

French Open 2026 Semifinals

The semifinal lineup at Roland Garros 2026 is now taking shape:

• Flavio Cobolli vs Matteo Berrettini OR Matteo Arnaldi
• Alexander Zverev vs Jakub Mensik

With Jannik Sinner already eliminated in the second round, the French Open men's title is wide open. Whoever emerges from the draw will be a deserving first-time Grand Slam champion — and Cobolli has as good a chance as anyone remaining.

Key Takeaways

• Flavio Cobolli beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the French Open 2026 quarterfinals
• Cobolli reaches his first ever Grand Slam semifinal — the biggest result of his career
• The Italian 10th seed moves into the world top 10 for the first time
• Auger-Aliassime led by a set before Cobolli dominated the final three sets
• Cobolli will face either Matteo Berrettini or Matteo Arnaldi in the semifinals
• The other semifinal: Alexander Zverev vs Jakub Mensik
• World No.1 Jannik Sinner is already out — the draw is wide open for a first-time champion
• Italy is guaranteed at least one finalist at Roland Garros 2026