In a hard-fought battle at the Caja Mágica, Flavio Cobolli's dream of advancing to the last 16 of the Madrid Masters was dashed by American Brandon Nakashima, who triumphed with a score of 7-5, 6-3 on April 27, 2025. The match, which lasted just over an hour and a half, showcased the highs and lows of Cobolli's performance, ultimately leading to his elimination from the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event.
Cobolli, currently ranked No. 36 in the world, started strong, breaking Nakashima's serve early in the first set to take a 3-1 lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Nakashima, ranked No. 32, found his rhythm and capitalized on Cobolli's increasing number of unforced errors, totaling 38 throughout the match. The Italian's struggles were compounded by a low percentage of points won on his second serve, managing only 43%.
The match took a pivotal turn in the eleventh game of the first set, where Cobolli, after requesting medical assistance for his allergies, failed to convert three break points. Instead, he lost his serve, allowing Nakashima to clinch the first set at 7-5. "I had my chances, especially in that first set, but I couldn't capitalize on them," Cobolli reflected post-match, highlighting the frustration of not converting critical opportunities.
As the second set unfolded, Nakashima seized the early advantage with a break of serve, quickly establishing a commanding lead. Cobolli, visibly struggling to regain his earlier momentum, found it increasingly difficult to mount a comeback. Nakashima maintained his composure, closing out the set 6-3 and securing his place in the next round.
Brandon Nakashima's victory propels him into the last 16, where he will face the winner of the match between Daniil Medvedev, the No. 9 seed, and Argentinian qualifier Juan Manuel Cerundolo. The American's performance in Madrid has been impressive, having previously defeated Sebastian Ofner in straight sets to reach this stage.
For Cobolli, the loss marks a disappointing end to his Madrid campaign, especially after his recent success in Bucharest, where he captured his first ATP title. "It’s a tough loss, but I’ll take the positives from my recent performances and look forward to competing in Rome in a few days," he stated, looking ahead to the upcoming Internazionali d'Italia 2025.
In addition to Cobolli's match, the Madrid Masters saw other exciting third-round matchups. Notably, Matteo Berrettini fought hard to overcome Marcos Giron, winning 6-7 (3), 7-6 (6), 6-1, showcasing his resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Matteo Arnaldi pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the legendary Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, marking a significant milestone in his career.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Nakashima as he prepares for his next challenge, while Cobolli aims to regroup and regain his form on home soil in Rome. The Madrid Masters continues to deliver thrilling tennis, with players vying for crucial ranking points and the chance to make their mark on the clay courts of Spain.
