Flavio Cobolli faced off against Hubert Hurkacz at the ABN AMRO Open, concluding his first round with another setback in his early season. Ranked 34th globally, Cobolli entered the match with hopes of overcoming the challenges of his last few outings.
After struggling to find form, having arrived at the tournament with four consecutive losses, including a disappointing exit at the Australian Open, Cobolli had his work cut out for him. With each rally, the pressure mounted as he battled the more seasoned Hurkacz, currently placed 21st in the ATP rankings. The match took place on the fast indoor courts of Rotterdam Ahoy where Cobolli aimed to start his season on the right foot.
The match unfolded with Hurkacz demonstrating solid performance, utilizing his serve effectively and maintaining composure throughout. Cobolli fought valiantly but was unable to secure any break points during the game. He succumbed to Hurkacz's powerful play, resulting in set scores of 6-3, 6-2. The contest lasted just over one hour, losing him the opportunity to advance and reclaim his momentum.
Post-match, Cobolli reflected on the necessity of gaining match experience, saying, "I need to get matches in my legs now... it is not until now I feel my season can start." This sentiment encapsulates the frustration he felt following the injuries and slow start to 2025, particularly after working hard to recover from shoulder issues incurred late last year.
Despite the loss, Cobolli maintained positive attitudes, emphasizing the support he received from his family and friends. A notable presence was his friend, Edoardo Bove, who traveled to support him during the match. Cobolli had previously shown his support for Bove when the footballer faced health difficulties on the pitch last December, sharing on social media, "Forza amico mio," expressing his steadfast friendship.
Working with his father, Stefano Cobolli, who coached him since he was 17, has also been pivotal for Flavio. His father's former experience as a player enables him to provide valuable insights, helping shape Flavio’s development as he navigates the challenges of the demanding ATP Tour. The duo’s partnership has evolved successfully, contributing to Flavio’s rise to career-high ranking earlier last year.
Cobolli's early struggles do not overshadow his accomplishments, particularly his two ATP Challenger titles and reaching the finals of the ATP Tour event last year. He also made it to the third rounds of both the Australian Open and US Open, presenting him with significant growth as he continued to adapt and improve.
The Italian tennis scene is thriving, with players like Jannik Sinner also leading the charge. Cobolli recognized Sinner's immense success, noting, “I am not surprised because Jannik was born with star quality. He is just a star.” The Italian Tennis Federation's investment and nurturing of talent have also begun to yield results, with several young players beginning to emerge on the global stage.
Despite this setback, Flavio Cobolli remains focused on enhancing his skills and ambitions for the upcoming tournaments. His experiences and the relationships he builds will not only guide his progress but motivate him to hone his abilities and increase match play. Looking forward, Cobolli is determined to find his rhythm and secure victories as the ATP season continues, still hopeful for what lies beyond Rotterdam.
With the ABN AMRO Open behind him, Cobolli is motivated to reset and refocus for the challenges alongside his father, building on the efforts they've made to advance his career.