Flavio Cobolli ended a three-match losing streak with a commanding victory at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, advancing to the third round after a hard-fought 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Miomir Kecmanovic.
The Italian’s performance proved decisive despite a rain delay that shifted momentum in the second set, allowing the Serbian to regroup and return with renewed aggression.
Cobolli dominated the opening set, breaking Kecmanovic’s serve three times as the Serb struggled with his forehand. The Italian capitalized on every opportunity, racing to a 6-1 first set. The second set saw both players hold serve initially, but Cobolli’s three double faults at 4-4 proved costly, handing Kecmanovic the chance to take the set 6-4. The interruption due to rain, lasting about 90 minutes, gave Kecmanovic a much-needed breather and a tactical reset.
In the decisive third set, Cobolli again faced pressure after falling behind following another double fault. However, he responded immediately to level the score and then secured the lead with a stunning return winner at 2-1. The 24-year-old Italian maintained composure under pressure, saving the only break point he faced en route to closing out the match 6-3.
Meanwhile, Matteo Arnaldi’s battle against Martin Landaluce ended in heartbreak despite his relentless fightback. Trailing by a set and a break, Arnaldi showcased tremendous resilience to claw back and convert a set point at 5-4 in the second set. The final set turned into a rollercoaster of breaks, but Landaluce prevailed, sealing a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory after two hours and 33 minutes of intense play.
Cobolli’s breakthrough win in Ohio marks a significant boost as he moves deeper into this Masters 1000 event, while Arnaldi’s spirited effort underscores his potential despite the defeat. Both Italians demonstrated grit and skill on a challenging hard court surface, setting the stage for more competitive outings ahead.