Cobolli on Long-Term Partner Galli: ‘My Greatest Joy is Seeing Her Happy’
Italian tennis sensation Cobolli discusses the pivotal role of his girlfriend in his journey.
Date: April 30, 2026
Flavio Cobolli
Flavio Cobolli and Matilde Galli have been partners since Cobolli was 18.
By Andrew Eichenholz
As Flavio Cobolli prepares to take on second seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday, the Italian knows that his support system extends beyond his coaches and trainers.
At just 23, Cobolli’s longtime partner, Matilde Galli, has been a cornerstone in his ascent within the ATP ranks.
“I met her when I was just starting out—back when I was ranked over a thousand in the world,” Cobolli shared with ATPTour.com. “Now, here we are, still together and thriving.”
Their love story began at a birthday bash for Cobolli’s best friend, where Galli made a lasting impression.
“She never misses a match of mine, sometimes even tuning in during the late hours,” he said. Despite their tennis lives, they focus on mutual support rather than sports talk.
While Cobolli shines on the ATP Tour, Galli is committed to her studies to become a health director in a hospital.
“Seeing her happy in whatever she pursues is my ultimate dream,” Cobolli said. “Family means everything, and sharing quality moments together is what I cherish the most.”
It’s essential for the No. 13 player in the PIF ATP Rankings to offer Galli the same unwavering support she provides him. As a three-time ATP Tour titlist, he’s ready to lend a comforting hand when she faces her own pressures.
“I strive to make her study experiences easier, especially when she’s nervous about exams. Balancing life on Tour and the pressure of home isn’t a walk in the park,” Cobolli explained. “But we’re navigating it well; our relationship is strong.”
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Unlike some players who travel with their partners, Galli often stays home to focus on her education. Therefore, maintaining open communication is crucial.
“We’ve found a good balance,” Cobolli noted. “Of course, I wish we could see each other more during tournaments. Her priority right now is to finish her studies, and we’ll reevaluate once she graduates.”
Galli does make appearances on the Tour. After a tough start to the season where he lost four of his first five matches, Cobolli invited her to join him. This resulted in a remarkable turnaround, leading him to the semi-finals in Delray Beach and clinching the ATP 500 title in Acapulco.
“I care for her deeply, and I believe she feels the same way,” Cobolli said with a smile. “Though we’re young, we’ve shared enough experiences to know she’s the one I want to be with for life.”
“It’s challenging because we can’t see each other often due to her studies and my tennis commitments, but we always try to prioritize our time together, even from a distance.”
On the court, while guided by his coaching team through challenges, Cobolli finds strength in knowing Galli is always in his corner—whether physically present or in spirit.
“Having someone who loves you unconditionally makes a world of difference,” Cobolli reflected. “I hope we can share our lives together forever.”
