BOLOGNA, Italy — In a thrilling showdown, Italy secured their place in the Davis Cup final, thanks to Flavio Cobolli’s spectacular victory over Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, finishing 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (15) after an intense battle where he fended off seven match points on Friday.
Despite facing his own challenges and squandering six match points, Cobolli broke through in the end. He erupted in celebration, tearing off his shirt in jubilation amidst his teammates, before taking a moment to console the heartbroken Bergs, who was seen crying on his chair, embraced by his supportive team.
The final tiebreak of 17-15 marked the sixth longest in Davis Cup history, a testament to the sheer drama and intensity of the match.
“We fought hard for our country and this victory, but I am also living my dream,” stated Cobolli. “I played for my entire team and family; it truly is one of the best days of my life.”
Cobolli’s achievement left Italy with an unassailable 2-0 lead, rendering the upcoming doubles match unnecessary.
Italy is enjoying an impressive 13-tie winning streak and awaits the result of Saturday’s semifinal showdown between Germany and Spain, who are playing without their star, Carlos Alcaraz, due to injury.
Earlier in the day, Matteo Berrettini contributed to Italy’s success by defeating Raphael Collignon 6-3, 6-4.
While neither Belgian player has claimed a men’s singles title, the No. 43-ranked Bergs showcased his talent against No. 22 Cobolli, igniting the crowd’s support in Bologna.
After a tense second set tiebreaker, Bergs found his footing, leveling the match with a perfectly placed forehand, catching Cobolli off guard.
The drama escalated as both athletes exchanged missed match points, culminating in Cobolli’s victory with a powerful service winner that barely grazed Bergs’ racket.
Cobolli leapt into the arms of team captain Filippo Volandri, who maintained an impressive composure throughout the rollercoaster tiebreaker.
“In my five years as captain, I’ve never witnessed anything like that. But this is the essence of the Davis Cup, pure magic,” Volandri commented. “I told Cobolli, it’s 5% strategy and 95% passion.”
Berrettini’s match was more straightforward; the 2021 Wimbledon finalist and holder of 10 singles titles dominated his opponent with relative ease.
He clinched the first set with authority before bouncing back after Collignon briefly leveled in the second set. Berrettini responded by exploiting his chances and won the match with a flawless game.
The Davis Cup Final 8 marks the sixth iteration of this revamped event, held at a neutral venue to determine the champion.
