Fri Aug 01 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Cobolli Hails Wimbledon Quarter-Final Loss to Djokovic as Career Highlight

**Montreal, Canada** – Despite falling to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, Italian tennis star Flavio Cobolli is celebrating the match as a pivotal moment in his career. The 23-year-old, who achieved his first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance at SW19, considers the clash against his idol a significant improvement over their previous encounter.

Cobolli, currently ranked world number 17, took a set off the 24-time Grand Slam champion but ultimately succumbed to a 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 defeat. He expressed immense satisfaction with his performance in an interview, stating, “I think I played one of my best matches ever. I didn’t win, but it’s never easy to win against him at a slam.”

The match marked a stark contrast to their previous meeting in Shanghai last year, where Cobolli suffered a swift and decisive loss. “Novak has been my idol since I started to play tennis,” Cobolli explained. “I played him in Shanghai last year, and it was a disaster. I lost 6-1, 6-2, in 45 minutes. This time I had more confidence.”

Djokovic himself acknowledged Cobolli’s progress, praising the Italian’s “huge improvement” and predicting a “bright future” for the young player.

After a slow start to 2025, Cobolli found his stride during the clay court season, capturing his first two ATP titles in Romania and Germany. He credits his recent success to increased dedication and closer collaboration with his coach, who is also his father. “I’m training a little bit more than before. I’m trying to listen to what my coach says…It’s working because I played better and my improvement is going up a little.”

Cobolli is currently competing at the National Bank Open in Montreal, where he is seeded 13th. He secured a first-round victory against Alexis Galarneau, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 and will face Fabian Marozsan in the next round. He is hoping to continue building on his Wimbledon momentum and continue his climb up the rankings.

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