Cobolli reveals an incredible anecdote with Nadal at Roland Garros

Pedro de Pablos | 3 Jun 2026 | 20.43

Cobolli reveals an incredible anecdote with Nadal at Roland Garros. Source: Getty Images.

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Flavio Cobolli played one of the best matches of his life in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2026 to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime and advance to his first Grand Slam semifinals. Furthermore, later in the press conference, he revealed all the superstitions he has towards this tournament, along with an incredible story involving Rafa Nadal.

Although he claims not to be very superstitious, the truth is that Flavio Cobolli has several rituals that he keeps repeating and that are boosting his confidence. Most surprisingly, one of them involves none other than Nadal, 14-time champion in Paris, whom he has taken as a reference, even when it comes to showering. So far, it's working for him as he is having the best tournament of his promising career.

Cobolli analyzes his victory against Aliassime and his first Grand Slam semifinals

First and foremost, I am very happy to be here and to have won this match. It means a lot to me, and it's my first semifinal in a Grand Slam. It's a dream come true, and I think I played a very good match today, even after a tough first set in difficult conditions. I am very pleased with my performance.

Nerves during the match

I tried to breathe during the changeover, I didn't look at my team because I felt they were more nervous than me. I think I did something different from the other matches. I just tried to stay calm and play my game. Today, in the final set, I think I played very well, with a good serve and a good first shot.

Flavio talks about his superstitions and his anecdote with Nadal

I have a few, but I'm not crazy. This week, I'm a bit crazier than usual. I go to the same restaurant, the same menu, the same shower. In fact, I think I said in the first interview that I use the same shower as Rafa because I had a memory of that shower where I tried to go look for him, and he called me, and I had to hurry because he was waiting for me. He told me it had been his shower for 14 years (smiling), so I think the best thing I've done is take a shower (laughs).

Cobolli reveals what he told himself in the bathroom after losing the first set

It's not common to play the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, so I said to myself: "Let's fight. You're here. You deserve it. Let's give it a try." That's what I told myself.

Have you imagined winning the title?

Not for now. I just want to focus on the next one. But I know I'm close, you know? Just two matches, but there's still a lot to go.

Pressure heading into the Roland Garros semifinals

It depends on how you handle these things. I don't think I ever pressure myself. I like to live the moment as if I were a child, with a lot of passion and a big smile. That's what I'll do for the next one too.

Semifinal against an Italian

It will definitely be another derby, but I think we should be happy for Italian tennis. Other Italians, in addition to Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, will be in the final this week, so we should be happy and we should enjoy the match. I don't know who I will have to play against, but I know I will be ready.

Advantages for your tennis from having played football

Physically, it's certainly a help, but it's a question that everyone asks me, but I can't answer. Surely, football helped me in something, but I couldn't tell you what. I have good physical condition and a lot of endurance, and maybe football helped me a lot in that aspect.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cobolli desvela una increíble anécdota con Nadal en Roland Garros

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