Italian professional tennis player Flavio Cobolli is using Rafael Nadal's preferred shower cubicle at Roland Garros to help secure his first Grand Slam title.
The move highlights the psychological pressures of elite tennis, where players often rely on rigid routines and superstitions to maintain a mental edge during high-stakes tournaments.
Cobolli integrated the habit into his schedule during the 2026 French Open in Paris. He is attempting to emulate the success of Nadal, who is a 14-time French Open champion [1]. By using the same facilities as the legendary Spaniard, Cobolli believes he can harness a positive mental state to navigate the draw.
"I use the same shower as Rafael Nadal," Cobolli said.
The Italian player has a history of relying on specific rituals to manage the intensity of the tour. He said that these habits are a recurring part of his preparation process.
"I have always been a little superstitious, and using Rafa's shower is part of my routine this year," Cobolli said.
Tennis is known for such eccentricities, from specific coin-flipping rituals to precise bottle placements on the court. For Cobolli, the choice of a shower cubicle is not about physical hygiene; it is about the perceived energy and legacy of a player who dominated the clay courts of Paris for two decades.
Cobolli's pursuit of his first major title comes amid the backdrop of the 2026 tournament, where he is seeking to translate this mental confidence into a deep run in the competition.
“"I use the same shower as Rafael Nadal,"”
The adoption of Nadal's routine by Cobolli underscores the belief in 'mental momentum' within professional sports. By aligning his physical environment with that of a historically dominant champion, Cobolli is attempting to reduce anxiety and build confidence through psychological anchoring, a common tactic used by athletes to handle the volatility of Grand Slam competition.
