Davis Cup Semifinal Highlights
In a thrilling semifinal clash held in Bologna, Italy, Flavio Cobolli played a pivotal role in securing a place for the Italian team in the upcoming Davis Cup final. Cobolli, who faced Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, showcased incredible resilience by overcoming a significant challenge to clinch victory with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (15). During a nail-biting match, he saved an astounding seven match points, despite having let slip six of his own earlier in the contest.
Post-Match Reactions
Immediately upon his victory, Cobolli expressed his elation by celebrating wildly with his teammates and even took a moment to comfort the visibly emotional Bergs, who was supported by his team as he struggled with tears. Notably, the climactic final tiebreak of the match was recorded as the sixth longest in Davis Cup history, stretching to 17-15.
“We fought for our country, for this win, but in the end, I realized my dream. I played for all of my team, my family, and it’s one of the best days of my life.”
His victory brought Italy to an overwhelming 2-0 lead, rendering the subsequent doubles match unnecessary.
Matteo Berrettini’s Contribution
Earlier in the day, Matteo Berrettini, a seasoned player and 2021 Wimbledon finalist, contributed to the Italian cause by defeating Belgium’s Raphael Collignon in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. Berrettini showcased his experience by maintaining control throughout the match, securing both sets on his serve.
Italy’s Winning Streak
With this win, Italy now boasts an impressive streak, extending their winning run to 13 ties. The team is set to meet the winner of the ongoing semifinal between Germany and Spain, who are competing without their star player, Carlos Alcaraz, due to injury.
Belgium’s Performance
Despite the loss, both Belgian competitors, particularly the world No. 43 Bergs, put forth a commendable performance against the higher-ranked Cobolli, who is currently positioned at No. 22. The emotional intensity of the match was matched by the level of skill, with Cobolli ultimately sealing his triumph with a service winner that barely eluded Bergs’s racket.
“In my five years as a captain, I’ve never seen anything like that. It was incredible. I told Cobolli, it’s 5% tactics and 95% heart.”
Looking Ahead
The forthcoming Davis Cup Final 8 marks the sixth iteration of this updated format, which gathers teams at a neutral venue to determine the champion.
