Fognini places a higher ceiling on Cobolli: "I see him between the fourth and tenth in the world"

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Fabio Fognini was very attentive to this latest final of Roland Garros 2026, where two people he knows quite well faced off. The Italian spoke about the current moment of Flavio Cobolli and everything that he will need to change to continue growing.

It makes a lot of sense to listen to Fabio Fognini today because he was one of the first modern Italians to break into the top 10 and establish himself in the tennis elite. These are the steps that his good friend Flavio Cobolli is currently following after reaching his first Grand Slam final and appearing among the top ten in the world rankings. In a conversation with Gazzetta dello Sport, the tennis player from San Remo reflected on several aspects worth listening to, such as his analysis of the match against Alexander Zverev, how his friendship with Flavio Cobolli emerged, and most importantly, what advice he will need to take the next step in quality.

"In the first set, what I expected happened: he was very tense, rushed, and made mistakes," Fabio recounts about the match. "Then there were opportunities and errors from both, the important thing is that the level was there. In the fifth set, in my opinion, the mental component came into play above all: after two intense weeks, you start feeling the weight of everything you have experienced. But one thing is certain: on clay he has shown his worth. It is true that the draw opened up and some will say that Flavio was lucky, but when you have the opportunity, you have to be good to seize it. And he was. We will talk more in these days, but the first thing I said when I saw him was 'Bravo,' and then I told him, 'Darn it, if you had stayed close from the start of the fifth set...' We must focus on all the positive things done in these two weeks," specifies the 39-year-old, retired since last summer.

Fabio and Flavio have had a good friendship for some time, although it is better to let him tell us about the origins. "When I met him, he was 33 years old, I was coming from physical problems, ankle surgeries, and many injuries. I remember in 2020 being in Rome with Barazzutti, we were watching Flavio and Matteo Gigante. 'See how well these two guys play,' I said. One reminded me a bit of myself, someone who was bad competitively on the court, but who ran and fought. That was Flavio, that's why I see myself reflected in him. He is tough, competitive, but also has a very human side. He is a handsome guy, has a beautiful smile, knows how to be with people. Perhaps he is less angry than me at his age, but he has many characteristics that remind me of the young Fabio, that's why I am so excited to see him on the court," points out the man who reached No. 9 in the world rankings.

Fabio Fognini's Forecast on Flavio Cobolli's Future Ranking

Now that Cobolli is part of the top 10 and has shown he has the level to compete in a Grand Slam final, the million-dollar question is where his future is headed. Here, Fognini also shares his thoughts, combining touches of optimism and realism. "At this moment, Sinner and Alcaraz are still one step ahead of everyone, but behind them, there is room [...] However, between the fourth and the tenth place in the rankings, there is space, Flavio can be in that group," acknowledges the player from San Remo about his compatriot. In fact, right after this unforgettable fortnight is when the toughest journey of all begins, the one where we will see if the Italian is cut out for the heights or not.

"Now the hard part begins, from now on, there will be higher expectations, and he will have to learn to live with this new dimension," emphasizes a Fognini who has already experienced all of this in his time. "He has to do everything calmly, think of himself, in planning, he must have the courage to aim high. Once you get there, what you want is to stay, but the difficulty is precisely this: suddenly, everyone expects something from you. And above all, you start expecting something from yourself. Flavio must not feel obliged to do anything; he has to keep working and fighting as he has always done," adds the winner of nine ATP titles.

Lastly, Fognini leaves the final touch in the interview as a piece of advice, one that will surely be beneficial to the current Roland Garros runner-up. "I only give advice if asked; I don't like imposing myself, but I told Flavio to start thinking like a great player. When you approach the top ten, you have to change your mindset: you no longer have to think about playing everything, but about choosing the tournaments that allow you to perform at your best," he concludes.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fognini sitúa un techo más alto a Cobolli: “Le veo entre el cuatro y el diez del mundo”