Flavio Cobolli, one of the rising stars in tennis, is turning heads with his outstanding performances on the court. As he gears up for an exciting clash against Novak Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters, his journey has been nothing short of sensational. However, behind his on-court pursuits is someone who has given his all—his father, Stefano Cobolli. To this day, Stefano ensures his son stays on the right track and also serves as his coach.

A former professional player himself, Stefano reached No. 236 in the ATP rankings and secured a notable victory over Stan Wawrinka, a feat that Cobolli recently achieved by defeating the Swiss player in Shanghai. However, the win did not come easy, as it was coupled with a lot of controversy.

Stefano’s role in Flavio Cobolli’s career has been unique. While many father-coach relationships in tennis begin early, Stefano chose a different path. He allowed his son to develop his skills and independence first, waiting until Cobolli was ready for his guidance. Their professional partnership only began when Cobolli turned 17. “He always told me, ‘You have to improve alone. You have to make your life alone, and then I will help you later,’” Flavio Cobolli recalled. This approach laid the groundwork for Cobolli’s growth and ensured he built the discipline and resilience needed to succeed at the highest levels.

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Stefano introduced Flavio Cobolli to tennis at a young age, but interestingly, he was initially drawn more to football. Despite this early interest, the tennis court eventually won him over. “‘I’d like to make this work so I can help you later when you are ready,” he suggested. As a young player, Cobolli idolized Fabio Fognini, whose flashy shot-making inspired him, and that admiration has since turned into a friendship. Another hero for Cobolli was Novak Djokovic, whom he looked up to growing up and now hopes to face on the court in Shanghai.

Flavio Cobolli’s professional career officially began in 2020 when he turned pro. Two years later, he achieved his first significant milestone by winning an ATP Challenger title on the clay courts of Zadar, Croatia. Since then, his growth has been impressive, particularly in 2024, where he entered the season with six tour-level wins and has already added nine more to his tally.

At just 22, Cobolli is part of a new wave of Italian tennis talent, joining five other Italians aged 23 and under who are currently ranked inside the Top 100. Interestingly, Cobolli, who enjoys the support of his father, paid a heartfelt tribute to him with a classy act in Australia.

Flavio Cobolli showcased his love for his father with a heartfelt act

The 2024 season marked a major milestone for Flavio Cobolli as he made his Australian Open debut. Despite being ranked outside the top 200, Cobolli fought his way through the qualifiers and earned his spot in the main draw. Facing the Chilean Nicolas Jarry in the first round, he managed to bag his first win at the major in Australia.

The match went into five sets, with the final scoreline ending 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. While the win stunned many, what stole fans’ hearts was his celebration. His celebration reflected his deep bond with his father. After winning the match, he ran straight to the stands to share the special moment with him. Flavio Cobolli hugged his father and celebrated the win together.

This moment showed the unconditional support his father has provided throughout his journey. Just about to face Novak Djokovic in a few hours, he will be looking to enjoy the support from his father. “I grew up watching his matches and still think about his shots before I sleep,” Cobolli said. “It’s amazing to play against him, and I want to enjoy every point,” said Cobolli about Novak Djokovic.

With the stage set for a thrilling encounter, who among the two will advance further into the Shanghai Masters? Let us know in the comments below!