Archive of posts tagged Flavio Cobolli

Ben Shelton shows clutch in Toronto en route to historic Masters 1000 crown

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Alex de Minaur

Ben Shelton lifted his career-best trophy in Toronto, earning his first Masters 1000 crown at 22. The American earned the title in remarkable fashion, surviving three deciding tie breaks en route to a trophy.

Thus, Shelton became the first player in Masters 1000 history to pull off such a feat on the way to the title. How did Ben do it? By staying fearless, keeping calm under pressure and finding his A-game in the pivotal moments. 

The young gun had to dig deep in rounds three and four. He bested top-tier players in the quarter-final and the semi-final before producing another thrilling win against Karen Khachanov in the title clash.

Shelton played against his compatriot, Brandon Nakashima, in the third round. The 4th seed prevailed 6-7, 6-2, 7-6 and avoided an early setback. The favorite fired 19 aces and lost serve once. 

However, Nakashima fought well after the second set and led 2-0 in the decider. Ben pulled the break back in the fourth game and denied a break point at 3-3 that could have been crucial. 

Brandon saved two match points on serve in the tenth game before his rival clinched a tie break 7-5 to emerge at the top and remain on the title course. Two days later, Shelton had to dig deep versus Flavio Cobolli.

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The American prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, showing his clutch in the pivotal moments. Both players scored three breaks. Flavio had the upper hand in the third set, serving well and generating break chances.

He stole Ben's serve in game five and provided two comfortable holds for 5-3. Standing on the verge of exit door, a left-hander pulled the break back at the last moment at 4-5 and extended the duel. 

The Italian saved a match point on serve at 5-6 before the American dominated the tie break to wrap up another tight victory and reach the quarter-final. Shelton produced a high-quality tennis against Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz. 

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Thus, he booked a place in his first Masters 1000 final and arranged the clash against Karen Khachanov. They battled for two hours and 47 minutes before Ben prevailed 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 to wrap up the title. 

The young gun kept his composure after the opener and in the decisive moments. He got broken once and provided two breaks. Karen saved three set points at 5-6 in the opener and claimed the tie break 7-5. 

Shelton grabbed a break at 4-4 in the second set and denied four break points in the next one with winners to introduce a decider. They served well and sent it into a tie break. 

The American played flawless tennis and closed it 7-3 to seal the deal and write Masters 1000 history.

Ben Goes Big: Shelton Becomes Youngest American Masters Champion in 21 Years

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By Chris Oddo | Thursday August 7, 2025

Blood, sweat, tears and – finally – triumph. Ben Shelton gave it all in Toronto and took home the hardware as the youngest American to win a Masters title since Andy Roddick in 2004, defeating Karen Khachanov 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3) in two hours and 47 minutes.

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Shelton is the first American man to win the title in Canada since Roddick in 2003, and he will rise to a career-high ranking of No.6.

“I feel so blessed,” Shelton said. “Just to have opportunities like this. The joy that I feel today isn’t just because of the win. It’s because of the people that I get to spend every day with.”

It was a hard-hitting tussle with Khachanov, the pair’s second career meeting which saw Khachanov jump out in front on the strength of a solid first-set tiebreak.

But Shelton would not be denied. The 22-year-old American answered back, going unbroken in sets two and three and winning four of the final five points in the deciding set tiebreak to earn his third and biggest ATP title.

Shelton defeated No. 8-seeded Alex de Minaur and No. 4-seeded Taylor Fritz to advance to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final, and survived third-set tiebreaks to defeat Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli earlier in the tournament.

When the victory was clinched, Shelton made his way to the crowd to share the moment with his coach and father Bryan. His coach encouraged him to step into the court and take balls earlier against Khachanov, and the strategy paid dividends.

“I love the way that he coaches me,” Shelton said. “He usually leaves stuff up to me. He gives me a lot of suggestions. He knows me better than anyone in the world, so he’s well qualified to give me those suggestions.”

Khachanov went more than six years between Masters finals, a record, but could not summon the magic that he displayed when winning the Paris title in 2018.

Still, he will rise to No.12 in the rankings after a strong effort that saw him save a match point while knocking off top-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semis.

“Definitely still it’s a positive, great tournament, great run,” he said. “I had some great battles, great wins against top guys. So that’s why I give credit to myself for doing that, and that’s it.

“I mean, you can win, you can lose, so you just try to regroup and be ready for the next tournament, it’s another Masters 1000, and then it’s a Grand Slam. So this is tennis, so sometimes you have to regroup quickly and be fit, be ready for the next match.”

Ben Goes Big: Shelton Becomes Youngest American Masters Champion in 22 Years

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By Chris Oddo | Thursday August 7, 2025

Blood, sweat, tears and – finally – triumph. Ben Shelton gave it all in Toronto and took home the hardware as the youngest American to win a Masters title since Andy Roddick in 2004, defeating Karen Khachanov 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3) in two hours and 47 minutes.

Tennis Express player gear
Tennis Express player gear

Shelton is the first American man to win the title in Canada since Roddick in 2003, and he will rise to a career-high ranking of No.6.

“I feel so blessed,” Shelton said. “Just to have opportunities like this. The joy that I feel today isn’t just because of the win. It’s because of the people that I get to spend every day with.”

It was a hard-hitting tussle with Khachanov, the pair’s second career meeting which saw Khachanov jump out in front on the strength of a solid first-set tiebreak.

But Shelton would not be denied. The 22-year-old American answered back, going unbroken in sets two and three and winning four of the final five points in the deciding set tiebreak to earn his third and biggest ATP title.

Shelton defeated No. 8-seeded Alex de Minaur and No. 4-seeded Taylor Fritz to advance to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final, and survived third-set tiebreaks to defeat Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli earlier in the tournament.

When the victory was clinched, Shelton made his way to the crowd to share the moment with his coach and father Bryan. His coach encouraged him to step into the court and take balls earlier against Khachanov, and the strategy paid dividends.

“I love the way that he coaches me,” Shelton said. “He usually leaves stuff up to me. He gives me a lot of suggestions. He knows me better than anyone in the world, so he’s well qualified to give me those suggestions.”

Khachanov went more than six years between Masters finals, a record, but could not summon the magic that he displayed when winning the Paris title in 2018.

Still, he will rise to No.12 in the rankings after a strong effort that saw him save a match point while knocking off top-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semis.

“Definitely still it’s a positive, great tournament, great run,” he said. “I had some great battles, great wins against top guys. So that’s why I give credit to myself for doing that, and that’s it.

“I mean, you can win, you can lose, so you just try to regroup and be ready for the next tournament, it’s another Masters 1000, and then it’s a Grand Slam. So this is tennis, so sometimes you have to regroup quickly and be fit, be ready for the next match.”

Ben Shelton's meteoric rise – College champ becomes ATP centurion

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Alex de Minaur

World no. 7 Bern Shelton is enjoying his career-best run at a Masters 1000 level in Toronto. The young American bested Alex de Minaur in straight sets to notch his first semi-final at this level and remain on the title course.

A left-hander prevailed over Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round, celebrating his 100th ATP victory and earning a notable milestone. Ben's rise from college sensation to ATP star has been nothing short of electric.

The American needed only three years since turning professional to claim his 100th ATP win, marking the milestone and gathering momentum ahead of the semi-final duel with his compatriot, Taylor Fritz. 

Shelton claimed the 2022 NCAA singles title for Florida Gators and turned pro a few weeks later. A left-hander with a booming serve claimed his first ATP win in July at home in Atlanta.

Ben wrapped up his first professional season with three ATP triumphs under his belt. The young gun flew from the US for the first time at the beginning of 2023! He lacked experienced but presented incredible will and desire.

Shelton ended the season with respectable 26 ATP victories, proving himself and setting the stage for an even stronger run in 2024. Ben claimed his second ATP title in Houston and counted 42 triumphs, becoming world no. 13 but ending the season just outside the top-20.

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The young American gained a boost ahead of 2025 and extended his great streak, collecting 26 wins before Toronto and becoming world no. 7. Shelton reached the Australian Open semi-final and lost the final of the ATP 500 event in Munich.

He fought well against Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros before reaching the quarter-final at Wimbledon. Ben entered his first Major event as a top-10 player and fell to Jannik Sinner after a solid resistance.

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Shelton suffered the semi-final defeat in Washington and headed to Toronto with 97 ATP wins. A left-hander embraced a deep run in Canada and provided his 100th victory only three years after turning pro.

His blend of power and charisma continues to excite fans and push boundaries. From college courts in Florida to ATP milestones, Shelton's journey is moving fast, with no signs of slowing down.

The US Open is just around the corner, and the home players will be among the players to beat at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Ben Shelton edges Flavio Cobolli ahead of post-match Toronto drama

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Ben Shelton

World no. 7 Ben Shelton will compete in his fourth Masters 1000 quarter-final in Toronto. A left-hander faced Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round and notched a tight 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 victory in two hours and 24 minutes.

It was their fourth duel, and the American collected his second win after a post-match drama. Cobolli did not like Shelton's acting in the tie break, although they settled everything after taking for a minute.

The Italian led 5-3 in the third set and serve for the win in game ten. He lost serve in the decisive moment and faced a match point at 5-6. He saved it, but Ben dominated the tie break to remain on the title course.

Shelton claimed three points more. He played against ten break points and suffered three breaks. It was not enough for Flavio to bring the victory home, serving at only 45% and losing serve three times.

They sprayed 90 unforced errors. The American fired 17 service winners more than the Italian, who had the upper hand from the baseline. A left-hander had the advantage in the shortest and most extended rallies.

However, it all came down to his late break and a stellar performance in the tie break. Ben made a strong start, landing a volley winner in the fourth game for a break and a 3-1 advantage. 

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The favorite served for the set at 5-3 and suffered a break at 15 after the rival's forehand winner. Instead of building on that, Flavio played a wild forehand at 4-5, dropping serve again and allowing his rival to wrap up the opener.

The Italian raised his level in the second set. He drew Shelton's mistake in the third game and received a medical timeout during the break. They served well by the end of the set, and Cobolli landed an ace at 5-4 to introduce a decider.

Carried by this boost, Flavio wasted game points early in the final set before earning a break at 15 at 2-2 after Ben's routine forehand error. The Italian provided two fine holds and opened a 5-3 gap. 

Ben Shelton & Flavio Cobolli, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton & Flavio Cobolli, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Cobolli served for the win at 5-4 and sprayed a forehand error, losing serve and missing a chance to earn a notable win. Flavio served to stay in the encounter at 5-6 and denied a match point after Ben's careless forehand. 

The set went into a tie break, and the American kept his composure. Shelton secured two early mini-breaks for a 3-0 advantage and provided two more mini-breaks for 6-1 and five match points. 

A left-hander seized the first with a booming serve, sealing the deal and reaching the quarter-final.

Shelton Takes Out Cobolli In Heated Toronto Affair

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Tempers flared, tension mounted, and Shelton soared.

Ben Shelton found himself a break down in the third set against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Sunday night in Toronto, but the American dug himself out of the hole to defeat his adversary, 6-4 4-6 7-6(1).

In the process Shelton earned his 100th career win, and the 22-year-old advances to face Alex de Minaur in his fourth career Masters 1000 quarterfinal as he seeks his first trip to a semifinal at this level.

With the win Shelton becomes the the 8th man born in 21st century reach 100 wins, and the 9th active American man to achieve the feat.

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“I think I was really mentally tough tonight,” Shelton later told the media. “I got to give credit to Flavio, he did a lot of things throughout the match that made it difficult. I thought he played very well. He’s really fast, neutralizes a lot of things that I do well, and that’s always a tough matchup for me, so just happy to come through it.”

The battle intensified down the stretch, as Shelton rallied from 5-3 down to level up and force a breaker with the 23-year-old.

It wasn’t exactly clear what Cobolli had done, but when the pair met as the match concluded, Shelton called out the Italian for a gesture that he made. Cobolli and Shelton had a long discussion, with Cobolli saying it wasn’t directed at Shelton, as he also said that he was simply voicing frustration at himself for squandering a lead.

“He just made a gesture in the tiebreaker in asked him about it. He said it wasn’t towards me so we’re cool,” Shelton said on court after the match.

The American was pressed about the issue again in his post-match interview and said: “He said it wasn’t towards me. We’re good. We talked about it in the locker room, so I’m not going to answer any more questions about that. There’s no story, we’re good, that’s it.”

Cobolli seemed to have the match in hand, serving at 5-4, 15-0 in the final set, but his luck went south from there. The Italian double faulted to give Shelton two break points and the American converted the second as Cobolli missed a forehand wide to take the score to 5-all.

He held in the next game to lead 6-5, and even though he squandered a match point in the 12th game, Shelton dominated the ensuing tiebreak to close out the win in 2:24.

“I was able to get a second chance by holding my serve and getting to the point where he had to serve it out,” he said. “It’s not always easy, especially on a night like this where it’s windy and not as hot, not bouncing as high as it is during the day, to serve out sets in matches. Same with me in the first set. I got broke serving for the set, and then he got broke trying to serve to stay in it.

“It was a nervy match and it was difficult, I think kind of after getting through that game and, you know, being able to bring my energy level back to where I wanted it to be at, and to get a confident hold at 5-all was huge for me.”

Can Novak Djokovic defy time again? Mansour Bahrami weighs in

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Alex de Minaur

Novak Djokovic has achieved everything our sport has to offer. However, the veteran remains eager to chase that elusive 25th Major crown, two decades after debuting on the most notable tennis scene. 

Legendary Mansour Bahrami shared his thoughts on Novak's ongoing pursuit in the closing stages of his career. The entertainer believed Wimbledon offered the Serb a genuine opportunity to extend his Major tally and write more history books at 38.

However, an unfortunate injury in the closing stages of the quarter-final duel against Flavio Cobolli disrupted Djokovic's momentum and blew the title chances away. 

The seven-time champion suffered a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to world no. 1 Jannik Sinner, struggling with his movement and experiencing the worst defeat in the completed semi-final encounters at Majors!

As Novak edges closer to his 39th birthday, Bahrami acknowledged the growing difficulty of adding to an already unmatched legacy. Admiration for the Serb's historic accomplishments remains strong.

However, there's a sense that time may be working against him in the Major race, especially against the dominant figures like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the proud owners of the previous seven titles. 

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Still, Bahrami leaves the door open for the possibility of a final triumph. He believes Novak could rise again at his beloved Australian Open next January and challenge the rivals from the top. 

The task is monumental, given Carlos and Jannik's mental strength and confidence. Still, if any player can bend expectations and time itself, it's Djokovic. Before that, the 38-year-old will try to make a name for himself and embrace another deep run at the US Open.

“Honestly, I thought Novak had a chance at Wimbledon. I know he wants to win that 25th Major title, and I thought he could make it at Wimbledon. However, he got injured, and we all know how that went.

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

It will only get harder for Novak, and Wimbledon could have been his last chance. We are all amazed by his incredible achievements, and it would be fantastic to see him win another Major trophy.

Novak is a great champion who has achieved everything. Is he capable of winning next year's Australian Open at nearly 39? I would give him a chance to chase it, but it will be very difficult," Mansour Bahrami said.

Jannik Sinner hands Novak Djokovic a rare Major beating

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6 Kings Slam

Novak Djokovic's quest for the record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown came to a sudden halt in the semi-final. Jannik Sinner stopped the legend 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 55 minutes. 

Thus, the Italian defeated the Serb for the fifth straight time and handed the 24-time Major winner's third straight loss in the Major semi-final, a rare scene unseen for 15 years!

Alongside that, Novak experienced his worst defeat in the completed matches in the semi-final at Majors. Djokovic is 37-15 in this round on the most notable scene. However, he never took only ten games before, excluding two retirements.

The Serb contemplated his third retirement in the Major semi-finals. Novak fell on a match point in the quarter-final duel against Flavio Cobolli. He injured his left hip area and struggled physically against world no. 1.

Despite obvious discomfort, the 38-year-old refused to retire at Majors for the second time this season. He tried his best and had a chance to move 4-0 in front in the third set before Sinner turned the tables. 

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Italian dominated the baseline. He tamed his strokes superbly, reducing the number of mistakes and drawing over 30 errors from the seven-time champion who chased his seventh consecutive All England Club final.

While Novak stayed in touch in the quickest exchanges, Jannik outplayed him completely in the more demanding ones following the Serb's struggles with movement and rhythm.

Djokovic took a medical timeout and gave everything in his quest to extend the battle. However, he embraced his career-worst performance behind the second serve, taking five of 30 points and suffering five breaks from ten opportunities presented to world no. 1. 

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Jannik made a reliable start and dominated sets one and two for a massive advantage. Novak grabbed his only break early in the third set and had a break point that could have sent him 4-0 in front. 

Instead, the Italian saved it and held, reducing the gap and pulling the break back. Sinner secured another return game and held in the tenth game and wrap up a perfect day at the office. 

Before this match, Djokovic's worst defeat in the completed semi-final matches at Majors came 18 years ago at Roland Garros, with Rafael Nadal ousting him 7-5, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic: Reality Hit Me—But Not My Last Wimbledon

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"I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today," Novak Djokovic said after his semifinal loss. Australian Open

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, July 11, 2025
Photo credits: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty

A Jannik Sinner stinging strike dislodged a bit of baseline and snapped Novak Djokovic's head to attention.

The Grand Slam king's quest for a record-setting 25th major championship came to a brutal and painful end on Centre Court today.

Tennis Express

World No. 1 shredded Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in today's Wimbledon semifinal striking with the same powerful precision the former No. 1 Djokovic showed for so many years capturing seven Wimbledon championships.

Hobbled from a nasty fall he took in the final game against Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals, Djokovic struggled to move laterally and tried to serve-and-volley to shorten points.

Though Djokovic drilled 12 aces against no double faults, he won just 5 of 30 second-serve points and dropped serve five times as Sinner scalded returns.

Afterward, a disconsolate Djokovic conceded "reality hits me" as his body broke down against the top seed.

However, a defiant Djokovic said this was not his last dance at Wimbledon. 

"I would be sad [if it was my last match], but hopefully it's not my last match on the Centre Court," Djokovic told the media afterward. "I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So I'm planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court for sure."

It's the second straight Slam where Sinner shattered Djokovic's major dream.

At Roland Garros last month, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion conquered Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) handing the owner of 100 career titles his first Slam semifinal straight sets loss in 15 years.

Today, Sinner repeated the feet as Djokovic was clearly compromised physically though he declined to discuss his injury issues.

The 38-year-old Serbian superstar said a major challenge is the wear and tear his body absorbs reaching the latter stages of Slams.

So by the time Djokovic gets to Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, he feels like a race car running on a half-empty gas tank.

"It's just age, the wear and tear of the body. As much as I'm taking care of it, the reality hits me right now, last year and a half, like never before, to be honest," a candid Djokovic said. "It's tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I'm fresh, when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis. I've proved that this year."

The best-of-five set Slam format has proved problematic for Djokovic, one of the greatest best-of-five-set players in Open Era history, when facing two explosive champions 15 years younger.

"I guess playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically," Djokovic said. "The longer the tournament goes, yeah, the worse the condition gets. I reach the final stages, I reach the semis of every slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz.

"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with tank half empty."

Asked to assess Sunday's final (11 a.m. Eastern time, 4 p.m. London time), Djokovic, who lost to Alcaraz in the last two Wimbledon finals, gives the second-seeded Spaniard a slight edge over Sinner.

"I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favorite because of the two titles he's won here and the way he's playing and the confidence he has right now," Djokovic said. "But it's just a slight advantage 'cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it's going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah."

Shelton's Top-10 Debut Makes Three Americans in the ATP's Top-10 for the First Time Since 2006

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The Americans could have four in the coming months. Andre Agassi

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday June 16, 2025

American men’s tennis continues to grow its momentum. After landing two men in the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros for the first time since 1996, the American men now have three players ranked inside the Top 10 for the first time since 2006.

Tennis Express

Enter Ben Shelton, who reached the semifinals last week in Stuttgart, and enters the Top-10 for the first time in Monday’s ATP rankings.

Shelton, 22, is the first American man born in the 2000s to achieve the feat.

Shelton is joined by Taylor Fritz, who returns to No.4 after winning the Stuttgart title, and Tommy Paul, who is at No.8, thanks to his quarterfinal run at Roland-Garros.

The last time three American men held Top 10 rankings at the same time was April 17th, 2006, when Andy Roddick was No. 4, James Blake was No. 7 and Andre Agassi was No. 10.


Shelton is the fourth ATP player – and second American, along with Paul – to make his Top-10 debut in 2024. The other two players are Jack Draper and Lorenzo Musetti.

Diallo Cracks Top-50

Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, 23, cracks the Top-50 at No.44 thanks to his title at ‘S-Hertogenbosch. Diallo became just the second Canadian to win a grass court title on Sunday, and the first since Greg Rusedski in 1993.

Italy’s Flavio Cobolli also cracks a career-high at No.24.

Zizou Bergs (+14 to No.49) and Reilly Opelka (+12 to No.75) were also among the big risers in this week’s ATP rankings. Opelka has risen over 200 spots since January. He played Brisbane at No.293 this year.

Bergs, who lost to Diallo in the ‘S-Hertogenbosh final, is back at his career-high.