World No. 10 Flavio Cobolli overturned a first-set deficit against Argentina's Mariano Navone in his Wimbledon opening match on Tuesday before play was suspended due to darkness at 9 PM local time.
The Italian bounced back to lead 1-6, 7-6, 6-3 on the outer courts of the All England Club, with the match scheduled to resume the following day.
Cobolli's Confidence on Grass
Prior to his opening match, Cobolli expressed confidence regarding the tournament's unique surface, noting that the court conditions contrast with other grass-court events.
"I think the grass here is not normal; it is completely different from that of all the tournaments we play before Wimbledon.
It is much slower, and you can play much more, so I believe that can help me bring out my best tennis," explained Cobolli.
The Italian, who reached the Roland Garros final earlier in the season, felt highly comfortable on the London courts during his quarterfinal run against Novak Djokovic last year.
"I did it last year, and I hope to achieve it again, even do better.
The transition from clay to grass is tricky, but I like it more and more, and gradually one gets used to it," stated Cobolli.
Pressure and Preparation
Despite mounting expectations following his entry into the world top 10, Cobolli maintained that he remains focused on replicating his preparation rather than dwelling on the pressure of results.
"I don't feel any kind of pressure. I already have enough with myself to add more due to results.
What I need is to repeat everything I did in Paris: how I trained, how I lived my days off the court, and how I managed the tough moments during matches.
That is the key," commented Cobolli.
As part of his tournament preparation, Cobolli completed a highly productive practice session with Djokovic, which he credited for enhancing his focus on the court.
"Respect is important, especially since he has always been a reference for me, and a bit intimidating.
I always try not to make mistakes and serve him the most accurate balls possible.
It really helps me, because it develops my concentration, which often fails me," said Cobolli.
Beyond his on-court performance, Cobolli shared that he experienced a positive mindset shift following his Roland Garros campaign, including a grounded conversation with Alexander Zverev.
"I told him I hadn't been angry for a single minute. I lived that experience differently, and I hope that helps me play many more finals," confessed Cobolli.
In an interview, Cobolli also discussed his personal life, his political curiosity, and his deep connection with his father-coach, while acknowledging that he remains open to adjustments in his coaching setup.
"Another coach? The idea is in my mind.
I don't know when, I don't know how, but it's a step that needs to be taken.
My super coach today is my dad: no one knows me like he does.
I'm arrogant: if we split up, he'd get offers from the very best," stated Cobolli.
During the interview, Cobolli was momentarily interrupted by the unexpected arrival of his close friend, Italian soccer player Edoardo Bove, in London.
"Excuse me, but Edoardo Bove just appeared right in front of me, here in London. I didn't know he was coming: he gave me yet another wonderful surprise...
He's my angel on earth, and I'm lucky to have him. The accident brought us even closer.
I trust Edo: I tell him everything, I ask for his help. I have him tattooed on my skin.
I like his humility and generosity, qualities I see in myself too," said Cobolli.
Cobolli also offered high praise for fellow Italian player Jannik Sinner, emphasizing that Sinner's historic success has sparked a major tennis boom across Italy without diminishing the country's love for football.
"Jannik is doing things we've never seen before, but I believe there's room for everyone. For him, for me, for Arnaldi, Berrettini, Musetti.
But also for the others: Italy's tennis team has a deep bench. In fact, the fans should support everyone, even the very young: we're genuine, pure guys.
I feel the warmth of the fans, but there's only one Sinner: his example can't be replicated.
Now, reaching the quarterfinals of a Slam seems ordinary, but it's not at all.
Sinner has brought this tennis boom, and now the sports closest to Italians' hearts are two, but it's not true that Italian football is less loved.
I'm football's number one fan," explained Cobolli.
Reflecting on his personal life away from the sport, Cobolli expressed long-term commitment to his girlfriend, Matilde, who is currently studying health economics in Rome.
"I met my girlfriend when she was 16 and I was 18.
She chose me when I was a nobody, and in return I immediately saw her purity: it wasn't hard.
I hope we'll be together for our whole lives, that we'll have children who bind us even more.
I can't imagine my life without Matilde. She studies health economics at the Catholic University in Rome and dreams of running a hospital.
She accepted me as I am," stated Cobolli.
In addition to Cobolli's match, two other men's singles fixtures were halted due to the nightfall at Wimbledon, including Frances Tiafoe's clash against Terence Atmane and the match between Daniel Altmaier and Alex Molcan.
