Interview of the day - Flavio Cobolli
Third seed Flavio Cobolli took 1 hours and 16 minutes to dispose off lucky loser Rinky Hijikata winning 6-4,7-5 and becoming the first seed to move into the quarterfinals . Cobolli spoke to the KTF media after his match
Q: Congratulations on your win. How do you assess the level of competition this week, and how do you feel about the surface here in Almaty?
Flavio Cobolli: Thank you. I think it’s a very strong tournament, with great players like Karen, Luciano, and Daniel. For an ATP 250, the level is really high. It’s a very well-organised event, and it’s a pleasure to play here. The courts are excellent, the atmosphere is great, and I’m really enjoying the week. It’s one of the last tournaments of the season, so I want to make the most of it. I hope to come back and play here for many more years.
Q: Italian tennis is in a very strong position right now, with many players inside the Top 100 and Jannik Sinner close to becoming world No. 1. How do you view this success and your role in it?
Flavio Cobolli: Italian tennis is really living a great moment. We have many players inside the Top 100, and of course Jannik, who is now No. 2 and very close to No. 1. He has been a big inspiration for all of us. Watching him and also Lorenzo motivates me every day to give my best and try to reach the level they have achieved in recent years.
I believe the Federation has also done an excellent job. Since we were young, they have invested a lot in us, giving us the best opportunities to grow. We’re very grateful for that support, and we try to show our appreciation by playing our best tennis every week.
Q: When you were younger, did you train full-time at the Federation’s national centre, or mainly at your home club?
Flavio Cobolli: I mainly trained at my home club in Italy . I would go to the Federation centre just a few days each year so they could check our progress, but I never practised there full-time. My main base was always at home..
Q: Congratulations on your win. How do you assess the level of competition this week, and how do you feel about the surface here in Almaty?
Flavio Cobolli: Thank you. I think it’s a very strong tournament, with great players like Karen, Luciano, and Daniel. For an ATP 250, the level is really high. It’s a very well-organised event, and it’s a pleasure to play here. The courts are excellent, the atmosphere is great, and I’m really enjoying the week. It’s one of the last tournaments of the season, so I want to make the most of it. I hope to come back and play here for many more years.
Q: Italian tennis is in a very strong position right now, with many players inside the Top 100 and Jannik Sinner close to becoming world No. 1. How do you view this success and your role in it?
Flavio Cobolli: Italian tennis is really living a great moment. We have many players inside the Top 100, and of course Jannik, who is now No. 2 and very close to No. 1. He has been a big inspiration for all of us. Watching him and also Lorenzo motivates me every day to give my best and try to reach the level they have achieved in recent years.
I believe the Federation has also done an excellent job. Since we were young, they have invested a lot in us, giving us the best opportunities to grow. We’re very grateful for that support, and we try to show our appreciation by playing our best tennis every week.
Q: When you were younger, did you train full-time at the Federation’s national centre, or mainly at your home club?
Flavio Cobolli: I mainly trained at my home club in Italy . I would go to the Federation centre just a few days each year so they could check our progress, but I never practised there full-time. My main base was always at home..
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24.11.2025
KTF press-service
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KTF press-service
