Flavio Cobolli is having a stellar year on the ATP Tour, marked by his first two title wins and a career-high ranking of world number 17. His journey includes a significant turnaround from a previous encounter with Novak Djokovic, which he describes as a 'disaster'.
Cobolli's breakthrough season saw him clinch his first ATP title at the Bucharest Open in April, followed by another victory at the Hamburg Open in May, where he defeated Andrey Rublev in the final. These wins propelled him into the spotlight, showcasing his growing talent and determination.
Wimbledon Quarter-Finals: A Grand Slam Milestone
The highlight of Cobolli's season was his impressive run at Wimbledon. He reached the quarter-finals, marking his best-ever finish at a Grand Slam event. This achievement demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level and solidified his position as a rising star in the tennis world.
Facing His Idol: A Tale of Two Matches
In the quarter-finals, Cobolli faced Novak Djokovic for only the second time in his career. Despite losing the match, he managed to take a set off the 24-time Grand Slam champion, showcasing a significant improvement from their previous encounter. He shared his experience in an interview with Tennis Channel, recalling their first match which he described as a 'disaster'.
"Nole has been my idol since I started playing tennis," Cobolli explained. "I played him in Shanghai last year, and it was a disaster. I lost 6-1, 6-2 in 45 minutes because I was really nervous to play against him."
However, Wimbledon was a different story. "This time I was more confident in my game, I had four wins in Wimbledon, and I came that day with more confidence in myself. I just tried to play my game and be happy about everything on that court, everything at that tournament, so I think I played one of my best matches ever."
Cobolli's journey from a nervous player to a confident competitor shows his growth and resilience. His Wimbledon performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication, setting the stage for a promising future in tennis.