Flavio Cobolli delivered a stunning performance as he defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in a marathon Davis Cup clash, thereby securing Italy’s place in the final.
The 23-year-old fought for more than three hours before he finally clinched victory 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (17-15). Moreover, the contest entered the record books as the sixth-longest tie-break in the 125-year history of the competition.
Cobolli celebrated by tearing off his shirt while the Bologna crowd erupted in joy. He later remarked, “We played for our countries and fought a lot for this win. In the end, I realised my dream and we are now in the final. It is one of the best days of my life.”
Italy captain Filippo Volandri praised the effort, adding, “In my five years as captain, I have never seen something like that. It was 5% tactics and 95% heart. This guy gave everything he had.”
Earlier in the day, Matteo Berrettini defeated Raphael Collignon 6-3, 6-4, which gave Italy a 2-0 lead without requiring the doubles contest. Consequently, Italy extended its winning streak to 13 ties and now awaits the semifinal winner between Germany and Spain. Notably, Spain will compete without injured world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
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