
The beginning of 2025 for Flavio Cobolli was one to forget. The Italian had entered a negative spiral of play and results, accumulating 7 losses in 7 matches. But upon arriving at the ATP 250 in Bucharest, something changed in Cobolli's mindset and tennis, showing a game in line with his level. Step by step, match by match, the Florentine overcame opponents until he secured his first ATP title, defeating a clay-court specialist like Sebastián Báez 6-4, 6-4 in the final. And after the match, the Tuscan revealed the key to his incredible resurgence in an interview with ATP.
Feelings after winning his first ATP title
"It's something very big. A great dream come true for me. Of course, I worked hard last week and we changed something. We worked more than I usually do. So, of course, I did something different for my tennis, and the result came quickly. I thought, 'It's too soon,' but it's better this way."
Hardly any time for celebration
"I don't have time to celebrate this trophy because I have to play in Monte Carlo in two days. So I have to focus on recovering and being in the best shape to play a good match there. But I am very happy. Tonight, I will take the plane and, of course, we will have a great dinner with the whole team, and maybe I'll eat a burger on the first day of the week. I'm happy, as you can see."
He needed seven match points to win the final
"I think it's normal to feel a bit more pressure than in a normal point. In tight points, when you're playing your second final, your first championship point, it's a bit different. I was coming from a tough moment, and of course, it's harder than usual. But I think I changed my mindset on the court at 5-4. I lost the first point, but then I won four in a row with a good attitude and a lot of courage. So I'm very happy with the last points and the attitude I had throughout today's match."
The key to his change in mindset and game
"I had an injury at the beginning of the season, so it was hard for me to play, to find motivation to play every week. It was tough, but I changed something, and now I have more confidence in my game. I respect myself more. So it's easier for me to play key moments, even important matches. I'm on the right path now. I wasn't during the first three months. But now it's different."
A title for his whole family and people
"There are many people who work with me, but also my family. My mom is always at home to support me. She never watches a match due to the pressure. My brother is, I think, the best person in the world. He's always with me, even in difficult times. He hugs me even if the day isn't easy, so I think he's the most important person in my life. Then there's my girlfriend. I've been with her since I was 17 or 18. I was born with her in tennis. She helped me every day. She was at home, studying, with me through everything. And then there are my grandparents. They support me in everything. And also my friends. They accept my life and accompany me in everything. So I want to thank them. And, of course, my team. I now have a large team, many people, but of course, each contributes their bit, and I'm very happy to work with them," concludes a Cobolli who went from a crisis moment to leaving Romania with the trophy in hand.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cobolli desvela qué ha cambiado en su tenis para conquistar su primer título ATP en Bucarest