Flavio Cobolli’s bizarre M&M’s moment becomes part of another remarkable Cincinnati comeback
ATPFriday, 21 August 2026 at 08:30
Flavio Cobolli found an unusual way to deal with the Cincinnati heat during his quarterfinal against Tommy Paul. After struggling physically through the opening set, the Italian turned the match around and eventually secured a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory, reaching the semifinals of a Masters 1000 for the first time in his career.
The match had initially looked like it was slipping away from Cobolli. Paul dominated the opening set, making the most of the conditions and producing a near-flawless serving performance as the Italian struggled to match his intensity.
Cobolli eventually found another gear in the second set, but his physical battle continued. He had already played three consecutive three-set matches in Cincinnati against Miomir Kecmanovic, Alexander Blockx and Rafael Jódar, making the quarterfinal another demanding test during an increasingly exhausting week.
At one point, however, Cobolli found an unconventional solution. Rather than relying solely on the usual courtside recovery options, the Italian turned to a handful of M&M’s for a quick hit of sugar and energy — a moment that quickly became one of the most unexpected images of his run in Cincinnati.
Cobolli explains the M&M’s surprise
After completing the comeback, Cobolli was asked about the unusual snack and whether he had specifically requested it during the match.
“No, I felt a little bit tired. I needed some energy. Some sugar. And I love M&Ms. Chocolate with colors make me happy,” Cobolli said.
Whatever the nutritional value of the decision, the timing certainly worked for Cobolli. After dropping the first set 6-2, he raised his level in the second, began putting more pressure on Paul's serve and eventually forced the American into a deciding set.
A special delivery of M&M's for @cobollifla 🤔
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 20, 2026
Tennis never stops delivering #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/a52cgeyogo
Paul had arrived in Cincinnati with plenty of momentum of his own. The world No. 24 had defeated Hubert Hurkacz, Daniel Vallejo and Alexander Zverev on his way to the quarterfinals, including a three-set victory over the world No. 3.
Cobolli therefore needed to produce a significant turnaround after being thoroughly outplayed in the opening set. He managed it, taking the second 6-3 before completing the comeback with another 6-4 set.
The victory also denied Paul the chance to claim a second consecutive win over a top-10 opponent after his upset of Zverev.
Another milestone in Cobolli’s breakout season
The Cincinnati run represents another significant step in what has already been a remarkable season for Cobolli. The Italian has now reached his first Masters 1000 semifinal, adding another major milestone to a campaign that has already included deep runs across different surfaces.
Cobolli reached the quarterfinals at both the Madrid Open and Wimbledon, while Roland Garros produced the biggest achievement of his career so far when he reached his first Grand Slam semifinal.
Cobolli achieved his best run in a Grand Slam after reaching the final of Roland Garros 2016.
That consistency has strengthened his credentials as one of the ATP Tour's most complete young players. Rather than relying on one particular surface, Cobolli has repeatedly produced results across clay, grass and hard courts.
His Cincinnati run has also required an extraordinary amount of resilience. Before facing Paul, he had already survived three consecutive three-set matches, and the quarterfinal followed the same pattern after his slow start.
The victory now puts Cobolli into his first Masters 1000 semifinal and gives the world No. 10 another chance to add a significant result to his impressive season. The 24-year-old guarantees his best-ever ranking as world No. 6 and remains firmly at No. 4 in the ATP Race – considering only 2026 points.
And if the Italian needed some extra energy along the way, apparently a bag of colorful M&M’s was enough to help him find it.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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