Tennis Star Flavio Cobolli Learned Of Friend's Death Before Saturday's Match

You wouldn't be able to tell by his performance, but Flavio Cobolli played with a heavy heart this Saturday against Alexander Zverev.

Cobolli, 23, was exceptional against Zverev in the semifinal of the BMW Open, striking 32 winners in a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Not only did it mark his first win over a top-five opponent, it was his first time defeating Zverev.

"It was one of my best matches ever, against one of my best friends on Tour," Cobolli said, via ATP Tour. "He's a really good guy and we have a good relationship with everyone on his team, so it was a little bit tough to play against him. But today I think I played one of my best matches, and I'm really happy about my performance."

After shaking hands with Zverev at the net, Cobolli burst into tears. It was revealed that a young boy from his tennis club passed away at the young age of 13.

"A special win today. Not just for tennis, but for something bigger," Cobolli wrote on Instagram. "Thinking of Mattia, a young boy from my club in Parioli. This one is for you."

Tennis fans immediately sent kind messages to Cobolli after hearing about this tragic news.

"Seeing Flavio so overtaken by grief breaks my heart. My thoughts and prayers go to all who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. RIP little Mattia," one fan said.

"That's incredibly moving and heartbreaking. Cobolli turned unimaginable pain into power on the court a true tribute to his young friend. RIP to the boy, and strength to his loved ones," a second fan commented.

Cobolli will try to keep his winning ways going.

Though it can't be easy, Cobolli will have to get his mind right for Sunday's final against Ben Shelton.

Shelton has won three of five head-to-head meetings with Cobolli. The last time they played on a clay court, however, Cobolli came out victorious.

Cobolli has already won the Mexican Open this season. We'll see if he can add another 2026 title to his résumé.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 12:22 PM.