Flavio Cobolli still remembers the sound. The roar that rolled down the stands in Bologna, the echo of thousands chanting his name, and the weight of the nation resting on his 23-year-old shoulders. For a moment, he wasn’t just Italy’s rising star - he was their hero. As he sits down to reflect on the magical Davis Cup run, his voice carries the same mix of awe and determination that defined his breakthrough season.

This year Cobolli won 2 titles, but the most remarkable feat was reaching the QF of Wimbledon. Probably the Davis Cup triumph has now become the new addition to that list! He, along with Matteo Berrettini and others, led Italy to become the first nation to win the Davis Cup for three years in a row since the USA’s similar feat in 1970-72. After the match, Cobolli admitted that it’s “impossible” to describe this feeling, and he claimed this is more like a dream-come-true moment for him. Recently, in an interview with Corriere Della Sera, he yet again spoke about that magical moment. Explaining that moment, he said, "My head is full of memories. What a thrill to hear my name being chanted by an entire stadium."

Now, Flavio Cobolli is busy making his travel plans to the Maldives for a vacation before the 2026 season. What happened in Bologna was magical. It was a moment no young player forgets, and for him it was more than just achieving a milestone for his nation. It was a confirmation that he belonged at the big stage. The tournament gave him visibility, belief, and something even more valuable: hunger.

Reflecting on these highs in 2025, Cobolli doesn’t hide his ambition. If anything, he embraces it. He finished the season ranked 22nd in the world, and now Cobolli feels it’s time to climb up the ladders. When asked about his goals for 2026 in the same interview, he added, “I have a clear idea of where I want to be: in the top 10. I don't know when, and I'm not sure how, but at this point the bar needs to be raised. To keep up with Jannik and the top players, I'm called upon to address my weaknesses.”

Having said that, he further added, “That doesn't mean I feel obligated to always win, quite the opposite. Only by playing, losing, and winning can you grow.” It’s the kind of statement that signals a young athlete ready to shift gears - to evolve from a promising prospect to a genuine threat. Flavio Cobolli knows the road is steep. But he isn’t shying away from the challenges.

There is one person who has seen his transition from a rising star to a superstar. He has been part of Cobolli’s multiple ups and downs. Who is that person, and what does he have to say about his heroics at the Davis Cup?

Matteo Berrettini reflects his brotherhood with Flavio Cobolli

In the ever-competitive world of tennis - where rankings shift overnight and pressure rarely loosens its grip - unexpected bonds often become the quiet strength behind a player’s rise. For Flavio Cobolli, one of Italy’s brightest emerging stars, that steady anchor has long been Matteo Berrettini, a man he once admired from afar and now calls a brother.

Cobolli grew up watching Berrettini redefine Italian tennis with his booming serve and gentle demeanor. There is a six-year gap between the two. Their incredible bonding began as casual post-training chats but soon turned into hours of hitting sessions, discussions about tour life, and most importantly, an unspoken mentorship.

There’s a heartwarming video of these two on social media. They were together at a junior tournament, and Berrettini was seen towering over little Cobolli, who was then munching on a snack. In that video, the cameraman playfully asked Flavio Cobolli if he was the student of Matteo Berrettini, and he replied, “I wish.” Then the cameraman congratulated them for winning their matches, and while packing his bags, Berrettini said, “Let’s go” to the young compatriot.

So, that’s how it started. While detailing their incredible bonding, Berrettini recently revealed, “I went to this tennis club in Rome called Aniane when I was 14 and Flavio was eight. I started working with his dad (Stefano) and Vincenzo, who became my long-time coach. That's where organizeI remember him and his younger brother, Guglielmo. Vincenzo and Stefano used to organize these small tournaments, weekend tournaments, where you were playing best-of-three sets, but up to four games. I played a lot of them in Rome. These two kids were always there playing tennis, enjoying the day. We were kind of like babysitting them as well, playing with them. It's actually crazy that we're on the same team now. I look at him now; he's a man now. It really gives me chills to think about this relationship over the years.”

Earlier this year, when Flavio Cobolli was struggling a bit, losing eight matches in a row, Berrettini was the one who stood beside him in his tough days. Recalling those moments, Berrettini said, “After Miami, he was struggling a little bit. He wasn't crying when I saw him, but he was really sad.” He knew Cobolli’s abilities, and he gave him advice to train for two weeks or so. Following that, he won in Bucharest.

So, Matteo Berrettini was the one who gave him the belief, and speaking about his camaraderie with him, Cobolli said, “Matteo is special for me because he’s like a brother. He’s very important for me. Today he helped me a lot during the match, like the brotherhood.”

Both players played a crucial role in Italy's victory at the Davis Cup this year, despite the absence of Jannik Sinner. Italian legend Adriano Panatta heaped praise on both Berrettini and Cobolli and also claimed that this three-peat confirms Italy as the “best” in the world.

Even the Davis Cup director, Feliciano Lopez, recently praised Flavio Cobolli and their team’s brilliance by stating, “We used to dominate tennis. Now Italy is the role model.” 

What are your thoughts on Cobolli and Berrettini’s heroics at the 2025 Davis Cup? Share with us in the comment box.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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