The 2026 French Open has been a wild ride, and the unexpected circumstances continued on the final Friday of the tournament.
Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from the French Open with a viral infection. He was unable to play Fridayâs semifinal match against his Italian compatriot Flavio Cobolli.
This was terrible news, but why did Arnaldi have to go to a press conference to share it.
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Viral infections are contagious
Arnaldi appeared before a room of reporters and Cobolli and shared what happened to him. Beginning on Thursday, he experienced stomach issues. Arnaldi could not keep food down. He was pale, and obviously in distress from the situation.
Was it the tournament that required him to appear at a press conference when he is likely contagious?
Jun 1, 2026; Paris, France; Matteo Arnaldi of Italy returns a shot during his match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States on day nine at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
It makes no sense. If he had to appear, that seemed like a good occasion to use Zoom. Better yet, a statement from him would have been fine at the moment also.
He was sitting far from Cobolli, but Cobolli was in the same space with him.
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Why is Agassi judgy
For some reason, Andre Agassi has arrived at the final days of the French Open extremely judgy. He seemingly has opinions, but no facts to support them, about Sinnerâs conditioning which prompted his loss. And he seemed a mixture of rude and disappointed when he got the Arnaldi news.
I love Agassi, but he seems to have forgotten that he was once a player, and stuff happens without warning or explanation. He was far from perfect, as was well documented in his autobiography entitled Open.
Venus Williams is much more relatable, with her compassion and empathy.
Tennis fans feel sick for Arnaldi, but hopefully no one in his presence picked up his sickness.
Watch the final days of the 2026 French Open on TNT Sports including Cobolli facing Alexander Zverev on Sunday, June 7 to crown a maiden Grand Slam and Roland Garros champion.
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