Flavio Cobolli is experiencing the best Grand Slam performance of his career, and the Italian believes a small French Open tradition may be contributing to his success. After reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros, Cobolli disclosed that he has been using the same locker room shower once utilized by Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion.
The anecdote quickly captured fans' attention as it links one of tennis's brightest rising stars with one of the sport's all-time greats. Cobolli shared this amusing detail after defeating fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals. While hard work and exceptional tennis have clearly been the primary reasons for his success, the 24-year-old joked that Nadal's longtime shower stall might be bringing him some extra luck. Speaking to reporters after the match, Cobolli explained how the routine started and why he has maintained it throughout the tournament.
Flavio Cobolli Says Rafael Nadal's Longtime Shower Has Become Part of His French Open Routine
During his post-match press conference, Flavio Cobolli revealed that he has been using the same shower stall that Rafael Nadal used for many years at Roland Garros. "Rafael Nadal told me that it was his shower since 14 years," Cobolli said. "So I think the best thing that I'm doing is the shower." The Italian then recalled a memory from Nadal's playing days. Cobolli remembered being in the shower when he heard a knock on the door. It turned out to be Nadal, who wanted to use the stall he had occupied for years.
Cobolli admitted that he can be somewhat superstitious when he is playing well. This week, he has followed the same habits every day. "I'm a little bit superstitious, but not crazy," he said. "This week I'm a little bit more crazy than the others. I just go to the same restaurant, the same menu, the same shower."
The routine appears to be effective. After dropping the opening set against Felix Auger-Aliassime, Cobolli rallied to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and secure a place in the semifinals. "The first set was incredibly windy, and it was really tough to play," Cobolli said. "I went to the toilet to think a bit. I tried to change something." He added: "I thought, 'This is the best court I've played on in my life because I can show my best tennis.' I said to myself to fight. This is the chance of my life, and I must give everything in all my matches."
Next, Cobolli will face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi for a place in the French Open final. Arnaldi also reached his first Grand Slam semifinal after advancing from his quarterfinal match against Matteo Berrettini, who retired due to injury.
