Matteo Arnaldi secured his place in the Roland Garros semi-finals, marking the biggest achievement of his career so far. The Italian overcame his compatriot Matteo Berrettini in a clash that ended prematurely due to Berrettini’s physical struggles.
Berrettini’s Paris return cut short
Competing in Paris for the first time since 2021, Berrettini fought hard to reach the quarter-finals. His run, however, came to an abrupt halt when hip pain forced him to retire while trailing 6-2 in the second set. The former Major finalist had already endured a grueling opening set, losing it 7-5 after 80 minutes of play.
Tactical edge for Arnaldi
Arnaldi imposed his rhythm in mid-range rallies, consistently gaining the upper hand in exchanges lasting five to eight strokes. He capitalized on Berrettini’s second serve, converting five breaks from 15 opportunities while conceding three himself. The younger Italian kept his shots under control, while Berrettini committed nearly 40 unforced errors.
Opening set drama
The match began with Berrettini racing to a double break and a 3-0 lead. Arnaldi responded by breaking back in the fourth game and leveling at 3-3. The younger Italian missed further chances at 4-3 but eventually broke in the 12th game to seal the set 7-5. Berrettini’s intensity started to fade, not from lack of determination but due to recurring physical issues.
Retirement decision
In the second set, both players exchanged early breaks before Arnaldi steadied himself with solid holds. He broke again in the sixth game and extended his lead to 5-2. Sitting on the changeover, Berrettini weighed his options but ultimately chose to retire, ending his Roland Garros campaign in visible frustration.
Heartbreak for Matteo Berrettini 💔
The Italian was forced to retire in the second set due to injury 🤕 pic.twitter.com/3CUnTsjMpp
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) June 3, 2026
ATP French Open - Matteo Berrettini's projected path
Berrettini at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Now ranked no.105, the Italian achieved an overall 16-12 match record in 2026. The Italian is playing at the moment at the French Open where he overcame the world no.65 Marton Fucsovics 6-7(2) 7-5 6-1 6-2, the world no.25 Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4, the world no.102 Francisco Comesana 7-6(3) 5-7 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(13), the world no.56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 7-6(2) 7-6(6) and the world no.104 Matteo Arnaldi 5-7 2-5.
Matteo Berrettini will fight against the world no.14 Flavio Cobolli in the semifinal. They have never played each other until now in top events.
The Italian won 10 titles in his career: 6 on clay courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Matteo Arnaldi in 2026
Ranked no.104, the Italian played his last match on the 3rd of June when he lost to world no.105 Matteo Berrettini 5-7 2-5 in the quarter of the French Open (draw).
This year Matteo owns an overall 14-10 match record. This year, Arnaldi clinched 1 title in the Cagliari Challenger.
Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi fought against each other only on 1 occasion. The head to head is 1-0 for Berrettini.
