Flavio Cobolli has made a remarkable return to form at the ATP Romanian Open, defeating Austria's Filip Misolic in the quarter-finals on April 4, 2025, with a score of 7-6(5), 6-4. This victory marks Cobolli's third career semifinal appearance at an ATP event, showcasing his resilience and determination after a challenging start to the season.
The match lasted 1 hour and 55 minutes and was anything but straightforward for the Italian. Despite Misolic's lower ATP ranking of 232, the Austrian proved to be a tough competitor, having won four consecutive matches on the clay courts of Bucharest leading up to this encounter. Cobolli, however, showed immense mental fortitude, staying focused throughout the match.
In the first set, Cobolli started strong by breaking Misolic's serve in the opening game. But the advantage was short-lived as Misolic broke back in the fourth game, leading to a tight contest filled with ups and downs. Both players struggled with unforced errors, with Misolic recording 19 and Cobolli 23 in the first set alone. However, when it came to the tiebreak, Cobolli found his rhythm, winning six of the next seven points after trailing 1-4 to take the set 7-6(5).
The second set continued to be competitive, with Misolic initially breaking Cobolli's serve in the third game. Yet, Cobolli quickly responded, breaking back immediately and keeping the pressure on his opponent. The pivotal moment came in the tenth game when Cobolli faced three match points. After Misolic saved the first two, Cobolli sealed the match on his third attempt, winning the set 6-4.
Reflecting on his performance, Cobolli expressed satisfaction with his effort, stating, "I worked hard this week and I think I deserve this result. I feel at home in Bucharest, there are many Italians here." His victory not only boosts his confidence but also improves his ranking, as he is now virtually positioned at No. 38 in the world, gaining seven spots.
Looking ahead, Cobolli will face Bosnian Damir Dzumhur in the semifinals on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Dzumhur, currently ranked No. 65, advanced to this stage after his opponent, Pedro Martinez, retired due to a hip injury. Cobolli and Dzumhur have faced each other three times at the Challenger level, with Dzumhur leading the head-to-head record 2-1.
As the anticipation builds for this semifinal clash, predictions from sports analysts suggest that Cobolli has a 54% chance of winning the match, with a 53% likelihood of taking the first set. Betting odds reflect this sentiment, with Cobolli listed at -139 on the moneyline and -125 for the first set. Conversely, Dzumhur stands at +110 for the moneyline and +100 for the first set.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Cobolli can continue his winning streak and turn the tide against Dzumhur, who has shown resilience in his own right. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 AM ET, and it promises to be an exciting encounter as both players vie for a spot in the final.
In summary, Flavio Cobolli's victory over Filip Misolic marks a significant turnaround in his season, following a tough start characterized by eight consecutive losses. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Cobolli aims to capitalize on this momentum as he faces Dzumhur, hoping to secure his place in the finals of the ATP Romanian Open.
