The next challenge of one of the revelations of the year: What is Flavio Cobolli's limit?

Carlos Navarro | 7 Oct 2024 | 18.25

Flavio Cobolli.

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Flavio Cobolli has gone from being a irreverent, irregular, and talented Italian to truly consolidating his name in the ATP elite. Talent always finds a way through, and the Italian demonstrates it in every tournament, possessing fantastic versatility in his tennis that is allowing him to shine on almost every surface. Not many expected such rapid progression: he has surpassed many of his compatriots on the right, and in this 2024 ATP Shanghai, he has certified his entry into the top 30, confirming that he is at the peak of his evolution.

An evolution that has been dazzling: not long ago, back in January, Flavio faced the Australian Open outside the main draw. He was just one step away from direct access, but had to face a preliminary phase that he confidently walked through, demonstrating that he had gained a higher level of maturity for this 2024. Part of that maturity was developed in his last preseason, where he trained regularly with Carlos Alcaraz at the Ferrero Academy.

Those were weeks in which Flavio not only gained ball rhythm against a great champion, but also witnessed firsthand a carefully crafted professionalism. And that made him think. No more McDonald's, no more 70% training sessions: it was time to give everything to get closer to that level. When order and consistency come into play, talent is instantly unleashed. And that has happened to Cobolli in this 2024, starting from the qualifying rounds and reaching the third round of the Australian Open, he seems to aim to reclaim his place among the world's top 25.

A PROMISING FUTURE... AND A POSSIBLE TURNING POINT

Along the way lie significant results (first ATP final in a 500 event like Washington), victories against flagship players (five wins against top-20 players so far this year), and a tournament, Shanghai, that will put him in a dream-like situation. Cobolli will face Novak Djokovic for the first time; the Italian has repeatedly acknowledged that the Serbian has been his idol during his formative years, providing an extra motivation for a match where Flavio could show the world why he has evolved so much this year.

"Djokovic has been my idol since I started playing tennis. I watched videos of him and his matches, even now I still go to bed watching his best shots. I want to have the maximum fun; today I was very motivated to beat Wawrinka as I really wanted to play tomorrow against Nole. I will have a great opportunity and I want to enjoy it," expressed an excited Cobolli before the game. The preparation won't be easy: after overcoming Stan in a real marathon, Flavio will have less than 20 hours to rest and tune up for the most special match of his career. Will he be able to make the big breakthrough?

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El próximo desafío de una de las revelaciones del año: ¿cuál es el techo de Flavio Cobolli?