Flavio Cobolli: “In 2025 point to the top 20 of the world tennis ranking”

Flavio Cobolli of character has it to sell. You understand from the general approach and in particular from how you answer you when you ask – I ask that of course everyone, always and since she became one of the brightest talents of Italian tennis – what they left him as a footballer in the youth of Rome, he – former pupil of Bruno Conti – who is now al 36th place in the ATP rankingamong the best in the world in tennis. “I had A lot of pressure playing footballwhich I practiced from 9 to 15 years, sharing with 10 other people gave me that anxiety that I don’t feel in the tennis court – he replies to Vanityfair During an event in the store Footlocker of via del Corso in Rome – especially when I was wrong. In tennis I play it alone but it is a legacy, maybe a little contradictory to the ears of many, that I carry with me: I understand that I prefer manage responsibilities alonefor better or for worse ».

On the other hand, with a former tennis player, the racket has always been part of its path “which has also been in very long tennis: I have always known that I have that type of competitiveness, inside”.

The opportunity is his meeting to celebrate the launch of the new one On Roger Clubhouseone of the sneakers – the leading one – of the Swiss brand Onwhich is also the technical sponsor of the 23 -year -old Roman born in Florence and back from the Madrid Open. And even if tennis is all head and talent, the tools are few but fundamental: «The racket obviously, but above all the ropesmake the difference – explains Cobolli – I have always used those who sell my father of the Signum Pro. Then of course there are many details that perfect our performance on the field. I was lucky enough to start working with the on and they are giving me a great hand, they take care of every detail and demand and each gap is quickly filled. I am very happy to be able to work with them and wear their shoes. And then I’m also one of the most beautiful on the pitch, right?».

Beauty aside, Cobolli – which just last month won its first ATP 250 tournament, the Romanian Open by Bucharest beating the 33rd in the world in the final, but already 18th, Sebastian Baez – the goal of this season, “began in chiaroscuro also for a shoulder problem with which I had to deal since last autumn »admits the 2002 class, it’s clear:”Without doubt enter the top 20 in the world»He tells me before the meeting with his Roman fans and beyond. ATP ranking aside, «the goal is of course Make a great result in a Masters 1000 or in a slamgetting as far as possible since I am lucky enough to be able to participate in any tournament wishes, I feel that the top 20 is within my reach. It’s difficult, I know, but it gives me the right motivation for the next appointments. To get there I must naturally improve the game. I still have Many technical gaps and points on which I can improve. In particular the serviceit is the key point to make the leap in quality. But there are many other things: back, volée, network game. A training period awaits him and then one of the most important appointments: the one with the International of Rome At the start on May 5th. Maybe the first stage of the climb to the first twenty in the world.