At first I viewed Flavio Cobolli as one of those random Italians in the top 100. But after yesterday’s wipe out of world no. 13 Tommy Paul 62 46 75 (with three match points saved) at Cincy Masters, my Cobolli scouting report needs to be revised.
The 22 year old ranked 31 in the world has won 27 matches this year (21 losses) but has not won any ATP titles year but that will change soon.
Cobolli has your basic modern game, 6 foot 1, good mover, two hander, reliable strokes but he has something extra. Some call it the X factor, some say it’s an energy aura that makes you think, This kid is not going to be denied. Against Paul yesterday he was not shy about expressing his expectation to beat the American on his home court, showing fist pumps and yelling CMON!!!.
It was Lleyton Hewitt level intensity but with also with a touch of muting to give respect. Make no mistake, Cobolli isn’t here to be a random Italian in the second tier range, he’s going to the top 10 and beyond.
The tennis industry knows extraordinary talents. In May of this year Cobolli signed a deal to wear On attire and shoes. This year he’s beaten Felix, Jarry and in Washington he reached the final by taking out Michelsen, Fokina, Shelton and Goffin.
Cobolli played all three Grand Slams this year, third round in Australia and second round of French Open and Wimbledon. Last year he made his Grand Slam main draw at French Open (first round loss). 2024 US Open will be his fifth Grand Slam main draw.
In juniors, Cobolli won French Open doubles with Dominic Stricker.
The trajectory of Cobolli’s career is on the rise – and very possibly he could be destined for the top 5 – or better.
Flavio Cobolli · Italy · on
Cory · August 13, 2024 at 8:51 am
I noticed the X-factor too. Almost all of his matches this year showcased sheer willpower. He faced like 5 match points in the 3rd set tiebreaker against Davidovich Fokina in Washington. When he faces a break point or match point, he seems to rise up to the occasion. Clutch.
Steve · August 13, 2024 at 10:28 am
There’s a lot of random Italians these days lingering around — hahahaha with Arnaldi being my favorite. I think there is a little Jenson Brooksby in his game who I miss watching very much.
Scoop Malinowski · August 13, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Steve, Brooksby told me in April at Sarasota Open, where he was a guest of the owner, that the plan was to play in Atlanta. so the mystery continues… can’t keep track of all the random Italians in top 250, dozens. cobolli may emerge as the top 1 or 2 Italians someday. Sinner may be a pan flash.
Scoop Malinowski · August 13, 2024 at 1:06 pm
he tanked to Rafa, surely could beat Rafa. seeing him smiling after and saying “Rafa is back” was curious behavior for a guy who just lost a big match.
Cory · August 13, 2024 at 11:20 pm
unrelated alert… Donald Young is playing mixed doubles at the US Open this year… I’ll be heading to my favorite part – qualifying rounds! Cannot wait.
Cory · August 13, 2024 at 11:21 pm
failed to mention that this is stated as his official retirement from tennis.
Scoop Malinowski · August 14, 2024 at 8:57 am
Cory, I didn’t see that Young has been given a US Open WC into mixed, he hasn’t played an ATP match in over a year. I guess he will play with a black player, Ngounoue or Montgomery, not Townsend because she has a good ranking. I think he deserves to close his career with a nice tribute at US Open but so too does Sandgren.
Cory · August 14, 2024 at 10:24 am
According to this thread, it IS Townsend apparently.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1ephwjt/donald_young_former_no38_to_retire_at_the_us_open/
Scoop Malinowski · August 14, 2024 at 11:32 am
Maybe TT or wes him a favor, she gives him the best chance to make a run.