Flavio Cobolli sends a message to Rafael Jodar

“I’m a fighter; I really don’t like to lose. If I see an opportunity, I try to seize it.” That’s how Flavio Cobolli described, in a post-match interview, the spirit that carried him to the round of 16 at the Cincinnati Masters 1000. The Roman defeated Belgian Alexander Blockx at the end of a hard-fought match that finished with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 7-5. Cobolli found himself down 3-5 in the third set, but he didn’t give up and completely turned the match around, winning the last four games in a row. It was a comeback built on character and composure in the decisive moments.

“I got a little lucky on a return today,” explained the Roman, referring to the shot that earned him the point for the counterbreak in the ninth game. “In the end, we put up a great fight, and I think we both deserved to win. This time, though, luck was on my side. Now I have to stay focused for the next match, which I know will be very important.” The victory also confirms Cobolli’s mental growth. The Italian emphasized, above all, his ability to stay in the match until the very last point.

“I think my ability to fight until the end has improved a lot today, as has my attitude on the court. I fought for every point, and that’s what I need to win a match. I’m really very proud of myself.” For Cobolli, this marks his fourth career appearance in the round of 16 at a Masters 1000 tournament, following Cincinnati 2024, Toronto 2025, and Madrid 2026. It was in the Spanish capital that he reached his first career quarterfinal in this category of tournaments.

And in Cincinnati, the Roman seems to have rediscovered once again that fighting spirit that sets him apart. “Today I really brought out the fighting spirit, so this week I’m more of a warrior than usual,” he concluded. “That’s what I like to convey to the crowd: how much I enjoy a battle on the court, how much I love to fight and win.” In the round of 16, he’ll face Jodar, ranked No. 11 and seeded No. 12, who defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, ranked No. 29 in the ATP, 6-2, 6-1.