Flavio Cobolli retired in tears trailing 5–2 in the second round in Vienna against compatriot Matteo Berrettini, halting his progress with a leg injury that first surfaced at the tournament in Lyon.
Cobolli Falls and Berrettini Advances in Vienna
The second-round encounter at the Vienna tournament ended abruptly when Flavio Cobolli decided to stop playing while down 5–2 against Matteo Berrettini. Berrettini walked across the court to console his compatriot before sending Berrettini through to the quarterfinals to face Alex de Minaur.
Absolutely heartbreaking scenes in Vienna 💔Flavio Cobolli leaves the court in tears as he is forced to retire against great friend Berrettini 😢 pic.twitter.com/NRyAVYkToQ
The opening games of the match had remained tightly contested until Berrettini secured a crucial break for a 3–2 lead after converting his fifth breakpoint opportunity of the set. The former world number six consolidated that advantage before Cobolli ultimately chose to halt the match, visibly distressed by the physical setback.
Turín Masters and Davis Cup Stakes Hang in the Balance
The abrupt end to Cobolli’s Vienna campaign threatens his availability for the remainder of the season. Currently sitting sixth in the Race standings, the Italian remains mathematically in contention for a debut appearance at the ATP Finals in Turin. However, the physical setback arrives at a precarious time on the calendar, with the Paris Masters 1000 looming immediately ahead as the final gateway to Turin.
Matteo Berrettini, who was not included in the Bologna roster called up by captain Filippo Volandri, could potentially be named as a replacement should Cobolli fail to recover in time.
Matteo Berrettini Reflects on the Sudden Ending
Following the conclusion of the match, Berrettini addressed the unfortunate scene in his post-match remarks. «I feel sorry for him. I have experienced this kind of situation many times. I know he wants to play in Turin. The worst thing that can happen is to get injured a few weeks before an event like that,» Berrettini said, acknowledging the high stakes surrounding the year-end championships.
While the exact nature and severity of the leg injury remain officially undetermined pending further medical evaluations, the immediate consequence shifts Berrettini into the Vienna quarterfinals against Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
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