In a heart-stopping semifinal that had fans clutching their phones like K-drama cliffhangers, 22-year-old Flavio Cobolli became Italy's tennis hero on Friday. The world No. 22 saved SEVEN match points before finally defeating Belgium's Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(15) – delivering Italy's ticket to the 2025 Davis Cup final 🏆
The 17-15 final tiebreak had more twists than a Squid Game episode, with Cobolli ripping off his shirt in triumph after nearly three hours of play. 'This is what happens when you mix 🇮🇹 passion with 🍝 stubbornness,' team captain Filippo Volandri joked post-match.
Earlier, Matteo Berrettini (aka Italy's tennis renaissance man) set the stage with a smooth 6-3, 6-4 win over Raphael Collignon. But the real drama came when Bergs – ranked 43rd but playing like a Final Boss character – pushed Cobolli to the edge before collapsing in tears.
Italy's 13-tie winning streak now faces its ultimate test against either Germany or Spain in Sunday's final. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, all eyes are on whether the Azzurri can complete their three-peat mission 🚀
'Five percent tactics, 95 percent heart,' Volandri told reporters – a formula that's turning Italy into the ultimate tennis squad goals. Stay tuned for what promises to be an EPIC championship weekend! ⚡
