Flavio Cobolli advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after defeating fifth-seeded Alex de Minaur in straight sets on Monday, showcasing a mix of skill and personality on No. 1 Court. The Italian secured the victory with a 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 result, punctuated by a 135-mile-per-hour first serve on match point that left his Australian opponent unable to mount a meaningful return.
Following his win, Cobolli celebrated with a mid-air spin reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration, a nod to the soccer star whom he admires. The crowd responded enthusiastically with chants of “Siuuu” as Cobolli performed the move. The 21-year-old, who had a promising soccer background in Roma’s youth system, expressed his admiration for Ronaldo and said he would be watching Portugal’s upcoming World Cup match against Spain.
Cobolli’s victory over de Minaur, who had briefly threatened to gain control during the second and third sets, marked a significant result as the Italian seeks to build on his recent runner-up finish at the French Open. “Alex is a stratospheric player. So beating him three sets to none makes me feel like I’m ready,” Cobolli said after the match. His next opponent will be Arthur Fery, a 23-year-old British player who grew up close to the All England Club.
Elsewhere on Centre Court, Jasmine Paolini returned to the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time since notable runs at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros two years ago. The Italian overcame rising Filipino player Alexandra Eala in a three-set contest, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Paolini, 30, faced additional pressure playing in front of tennis legend Roger Federer, who was seated in the Royal Box alongside Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian Mercedes driver. Despite the distractions, Paolini maintained focus throughout the match. She will next face Marta Kostyuk, who advanced by defeating American qualifier Ashlyn Krueger.
Paolini expressed admiration for Federer, calling him her idol and noting her efforts to stay concentrated during play despite his presence. The day brought high temperatures, reaching 32 degrees Celsius, with players using bags of ice during changeovers to manage the heat.
Italy’s sporting prominence was on display beyond the tennis courts, reflecting a growing contingent of high-profile athletes in different disciplines amid the country’s absence from the upcoming World Cup. Alongside Cobolli and Paolini, Jannik Sinner—defending Wimbledon champion—continues to be a central figure for Italian tennis, with a quarter-final match scheduled against Jan-Lennard Struff on Tuesday.
The performances at Wimbledon follow a strong showing from Italian players at the French Open, where three men advanced to the quarter-finals despite Sinner’s early exit. Meanwhile, Formula One leader Antonelli, watched the matches from the Royal Box, symbolizing Italy’s diverse sporting talent amid a period of challenges for the nation’s soccer team.