Cobolli explains the reason why he turned the match around against Jódar

Carlos Navarro - 20 Aug 2026 | 03:01
Flavio Cobolli Rafael Jódar ATP ATP Cincinnati 2026

The Italian spoke after the match and explained the reason behind his wild celebration, as well as revealing the key he thinks led to his comeback against the Spanish player.

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Cobolli explains the reasons for his great victory against Jódar.

Flavio Cobolli has become one of the major protagonists of the day at the ATP Cincinnati 2026. The Italian faced a significant challenge, going up against Rafa Jódar, who was clearly on the rise after his victory over Tabilo; he, for his part, had just suffered and found himself two points from defeat against Alexander Blockx... and perhaps playing on the edge of the abyss brings out his best version: he was again just two exchanges away from losing, held on through the pressure, and delivered another commendable comeback to advance to the quarterfinals on American soil.

This tournament signifies a much-needed boost of confidence before the US Open: after being eliminated in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, Flavio accumulated three consecutive losses and was struggling to find his best form. On hard court, a surface that rewards fewer of his effects and variety, it seemed his game was being nullified... but his character and attitude serve as luxurious companions to the wave of confidence he is riding, and perhaps explain how he achieved victory today.

What was the key to Cobolli's victory against Jódar?

No one like him can explain the reasons why he was able to save himself from the fire and elevate his level in the third set to survive in Cincinnati. He did so at the microphones of Tennis Channel, with a really clear diagnosis: "I believe the key today was my attitude on the court. Yes, my forehand was good, my serve was better than in the other matches here in Cincinnati, and the return as well... but the way I fought on the court and didn't give anything up was what I did best".

It was an important victory judging by an aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed: the celebration. Jódar has earned a certain aura in the locker room, causing many opponents to step on the court against him with the handbrake on: the same was true for the Italian, who loosened up with time until he ended up celebrating his victory with passion.

"Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am a great tennis player. That's how I see today's match; I think it was a great duel. We played for three hours at a very high level, and I faced one of the names that is most prominent on the circuit right now. He's an incredible guy, an incredible player. I wish him the best for the future... just not today." This statement speaks volumes about the impact Rafa's victories have on his opponents before stepping onto the court... but it did not intimidate the Italian today during the crucial moments.

Cobolli explains his great record in decisive sets this season: 11-2 in his favor

One of the aspects where Flavio shines in 2026 is in decisive sets: he has 11 wins and only 2 losses, an extremely high percentage that he shared with his opponent today. After prevailing in the final set, perhaps more than one would want to search for a hidden secret in so many wins... but the Italian is not a superstitious guy and only mentions work as the main channel.

"In those decisive sets, I don't think of anything specific. Just to keep playing, to keep believing in myself, to keep pushing until the end. That’s what I think, that’s what I ask of myself: to leave it all on the court until the last point... and that’s what I have to feel very proud of today." Indeed: it’s a comeback that grants him access for the first time to the Cincinnati quarterfinals, where the always unpredictable and magical Tommy Paul awaits. A match, without a doubt, for refined palates.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cobolli explica el motivo por el que le dio la vuelta al partido frente a Jódar