Flavio Cobolli overcame nerves during his quarterfinal match at the French Open, according to The New York Times. The 24-year-old Italian faced unexpected challenges against Zachary Svajda on June 2, 2026, as he secured his place in the semifinals at Roland Garros.
What happened
During his fourth-round match at the French Open, Flavio Cobolli experienced a sudden surge of anxiety. Leading 6-2, 6-3, 6-7(3), 5-2 against American Zachary Svajda, Cobolli began to lose control as his groundstrokes went awry, and he lost four consecutive games. He managed to regain composure, holding serve and winning the match in a tense tiebreak.
“When the match is almost done, you start to think. That’s the problem with my character, because I don’t like to think,” Cobolli said in a post-match conference, highlighting how intrusive thoughts impacted his performance. Players often describe similar physical manifestations of nerves, including nausea and muscle tension, which complicate their gameplay.
This year’s French Open has seen a high prevalence of tension among competitors. Of the top 10 seeds, only five remain, and the unusual draw means lower-ranked players face heightened expectations. “If I think, especially if I’m nervous, I start to play different tennis,” Cobolli added, illustrating the psychological burden many players face as they advance.[2]
Why it matters
The pressures of competitive tennis can significantly affect performance. As players encounter both psychological and physical obstacles, their ability to manage nerves becomes crucial. According to sports psychologist Sarah Murray, the brain’s response to stress resembles that of ancient threats, leading to compromised decision-making on the court.
This dynamic is particularly salient at this stage of the tournament, where unexpected results have altered competitors’ standings. High expectations placed on favorites can create psychological traps that obstruct their focus, which can lead to performance issues in crucial matches.[3]
Background
On May 27, 2026, Cobolli earned his spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Svajda in a match that stretched his mental resilience. This encounter stands out not only for its intensity but also for how it reflects broader trends in the tournament, where many lower-ranked players have progressed further than anticipated.
On May 20, 2026, the tournament had already seen numerous upsets, setting the stage for surprising matchups. The remaining competitors now grapple with unique pressures as they move closer to securing a place in the final rounds.
What’s next
Looking ahead, the semifinals will take place on June 4, 2026. Players will need to implement strategies to manage their nerves as they contend for a spot in the finals at Roland Garros.[1]
