ATP Eastbourne: Flavio Cobolli vs Billy Harris; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Italy’s Flavio Cobolli will face the local favorite, Billy Harris, in the QF of the 2024 Eastbourne International. The Italian has showcased his potential in quite a few tournaments this year, but he lacked a bit of consistency in his game. His best records include reaching one SF and two QFs in his previous tournaments. Cobolli had never won a pro match on this surface before this tournament, but now he’s on a two-match winning streak. Can he make it to three on Thursday (June 27)?

Well, Billy Harris may well have the perfect answer to this question. He is now the only British player who is still active in this tournament. With the support of his home crowd, he can surely be a threat on this surface for the 22-year-old Italian.

Flavio Cobolli vs Billy Harris: Preview

Cobolli is entering this match after his three-set victory over another Brit, Giles Hussey, in the R16 of this tournament. The Italian scored eight aces and committed five double faults in that match. He won 81% of his first serve and 55% of his second serve. However, Flavio Cobolli could only convert four out of his eight breakpoints in that match.

This season, the youngster has hit 186 aces and committed just around 94 double faults. He has won 79% of his service games and 23% of his return games so far. How do his numbers compare to his British opponent?

Well, Billy Harris has been a constant performer in the Challengers this year. If we look at his results from his previous tournaments this year, the 29-year-old British tennis player has reached two SFs and five QFs this year. In his previous match, he defeated his compatriot Charles Broom by 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. In that match, he hit five aces and committed two double faults. Harris won 69% of his first serve and 53% of his second serve.

He was 5/15 in the breakpoints in that match against Broom. However, looking at the overall picture this season, Billy Harris has hit 19 aces this season and recorded just two double faults. Interestingly, the Brit has won 91% of his service games this year and just 11% of his return games. Have these players met each other before in their careers?

Cobolli vs Harris: Head-to-Head

No, this will be their first meeting on the Tour! Flavio Cobolli has been more in the limelight for his recent performances in the last few months. However, in this match, the focus will be fully on the British tennis player, and with the backing of the passionate crowd, it’ll be interesting to see if he can channel that passion into fruitful action in the QF.

Prediction: Cobolli to win in two sets

Flavio Cobolli is currently ranked 49th in the world, whereas Billy Harris is placed at the 139th spot in the men’s singles ranking. So, there’s a huge gap in their rankings. This is one of the factors that’s keeping the Italian ahead in this contest. Another factor giving Flavio Cobolli an edge in this match is his current form. He has a win-loss record of 16-15 this season, compared to Billy Harris’ limited experience of playing big tournaments this season. Harris has a win-loss record of just 2-1.

However, the 6ft 4 inches tall British tennis player has big serves in his armory. He has a strong two-handed backhand and has been gaining confidence with every game on the grass courts. On the other hand, Flavio Cobolli is known for his defensive and counter-attacking style of play. He is a good returner of the ball and has a strong forehand. However, his serves need to improve a lot. But is this going to be a factor that would keep him a step behind in this matchup? Perhaps not! He has showcased his potential multiple times this year, so he’s clearly the favorite to win this contest.