It is well known that athletes are superstitious. Even more tennis players. Richard Gasquet always replayed with the ball with which he had just won a point. Rafael Nadal carefully placed his bottles each time he changed sides. Semi-finalist of the 2026 edition of Roland-Garros, Flavio Cobolli is no exception to the rule.
However, one of its superstitious rituals is rather surprising. The Italian always uses the same shower that Rafael Nadal used in the Parisian locker room. And this has been since he was kicked out of that famous shower by the Spaniard.
“I remember one day I was taking his shower and he knocked on the door,” said the Italian with a smile. I had to hurry because he was waiting for me to finish. He told me it was his shower for 14 years. I think that’s my main habit: the shower.”
The same meal at the same restaurant
This is not the only thing that Flavio Cobolli mechanically repeats to stay in his bubble during this fortnight. He revealed that he goes to the same restaurant every evening and orders the same menu each time. “This week I’m a little crazier than usual,” he admitted.
This also explains why this AS Roma fan starts all his speeches the same way during this tournament. Namely with a “thank you all” in French.
If Flavio Cobolli wins Roland-Garros, and at the same time the first Grand Slam of his career, he risks continuing his superstitions for a very long time.
