Flavio Cobolli has marched through to the Wimbledon fourth round after dismissing Czechia’s Jakub Mensik.
Despite a rain delay postponing the match, Cobolli’s momentum was rarely halted on Saturday, with the Italian triumphing 6-1 7-6 6-3 against his opponent – who recently admitted he has barely played on grass.
The Italian, who is a future star on the ATP Tour, has spoken about his tennis influences and idols, including Novak Djokovic.
However, when speaking with the Tennis Channel after Monday’s Wimbledon victory, the world number 24 revealed another idol of his.
Cobolli, who admitted he doesn’t like to watch tennis, said his idol is ‘one of the most talented players ever.’
Flavio Cobolli says his idol Fabio Fognini is ‘one of the most talented players ever’
Speaking to the Tennis Channel on Saturday, Cobolli named a surprise player as ‘one of the most talented players ever.’
The Italian, who has reached his first Grand Slam fourth round, noted the influence of Fabio Fognini on his tennis career.
Cobolli said: “I didn’t like watching tennis. I don’t want to watch any match. I really don’t like, I prefer football. But when Nole and Fabio played this on this year I always watch their matches.
“They’re my biggest idols. I started to play tennis because of him (Fognini) in Italy. I think he’s one of the most talented players ever and yeah we have a big relationship, we are good friends. I watch the match here he play on Wimbledon. For me he can continue for many years.”
Fognini, who was making his final appearance at SW19 this year and is expected to retire in 2025, produced a valiant performance in the first round against French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, before losing in five sets.
Marin Cilic awaits Flavio Cobolli in the Wimbledon fourth round
The ever-lasting figure of Marin Cilic continues to impress on the ATP Tour. The 36-year-old, who knocked out Jack Draper in the second round, beat Spain’s Jaume Munar to set up a clash against the 23-year-old Italian.
The Croatian veteran is no stranger to the big stage. He is back in the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time since 2017, where he made the final before losing to Roger Federer in five sets.
Cilic, winner of the 2014 US Open, hit 50 unforced errors against Munar. However, he offset this alarming statistic by totalling 47 winners.
Cobolli and Cilic are set to face off on Monday, with the winner to play either Novak Djokovic or Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.
