Cobolli through to French Open final as Arnaldi withdraws with virus

Italy's Matteo Arnaldi says withdrawing from his first Grand Slam semi-final through illness is an experience he would "not wish on anybody".

Arnaldi, 25, was due to play his close friend Flavio Cobolli in the French Open last four on Friday, but pulled out shortly before the match because of a virus.

The announcement was made at about 17:35 BST, 25 minutes before the Italian pair were due to walk out on court in Paris.

"I tried to see if I could get on court but every time I get up I feel dizzy. It was the right decision to take," said 104th-ranked Arnaldi, who had never previously gone past the fourth round of a major.

"I just know I can't move, I can't eat and I can't drink - there was no way I was able to play."

Cobolli, 24, will play German second seed and title favourite Alexander Zverev - who beat Jakub Mensik - in his first major final on Sunday.

"It is so, so tough. When he came to see me, I almost cried," said 10th seed Cobolli.

The two players appeared together at a news conference within minutes of Arnaldi's withdrawal being announced.