Terence Atmane stuns Flavio Cobolli to reach Cincinnati Masters third round
French qualifier Terence Atmane delivered one of the day’s biggest upsets at the Cincinnati Masters, edging Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5) on Saturday night at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Cobolli was the No 15 seed and a Wimbledon quarterfinalist, and he had been on a 7-3 run over the past two months.
This victory stands as Atmane’s biggest career win to date. The 132nd-ranked 25-year-old has largely lined up on the Challenger circuit and had not secured back-to-back wins on the ATP main tour this season. The triumph also marks the first time since Rome in 2024 that Atmane has claimed two Masters 1000 wins in one event. Prior to this match, he defeated Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 6-2.
Looking ahead, Atmane will meet Brazilian Joao Fonseca in the third round.
Key facts
– Match: Terence Atmane def. Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5)
– Round: Second round victory earns Atmane a spot in the third round
– Cobolli: No. 15 seed, Wimbledon quarterfinalist
– Atmane ranking: No. 132
– Previous win: Over Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 6-2
– Next opponent: Joao Fonseca (Brazil)
Context and analysis
– The win signals a breakthrough for Atmane, who has consistently fought through qualifying and Challenger events to make an impact at the Masters level.
– Cobolli’s setback ends a promising stretch for the Italian, who had been building momentum after a strong run this season.
– If Atmane can continue to ride this momentum, he could become a persistent threat in the lower and middle tiers of the ATP Tour, with potential improvements in his ranking and deeper runs at Masters events.
Summary
– Terence Atmane upset Flavio Cobolli in a tight three-setter to reach the Cincinnati Masters third round, continuing a momentum-building campaign that has included a win over Yoshihito Nishioka and a historic Masters 1000 win count for him this year. He will face Joao Fonseca next.
Optional notes for editors
– Consider adding post-match quotes from Atmane or Cobolli if available to add color to the piece.
– Include a brief comparison of Atmane’s performance in this match to his recent Challenger results to give readers a sense of his development trajectory.
Positive note
– This upset highlights the depth in men’s tennis and offers a hopeful look at a player breaking through from the Challenger circuit to high-level Masters events.