“I never expected all my life this kind of result" - Responsibilities bolstered for Flavio Cobolli with Laver Cup another chance to prove his worth

Flavio Cobolli is set to compete for Team Europe for the third time at the Laver Cup, but this year is different from the others. Now an established top 10 player, he will be a vital vocal point as Team Europe look to reclaim the bragging rights back from Team World.

An alternate in 2024, Cobolli did not make his debut until last year when he came unstuck against Joao Fonseca. That was his only match en route to defeat. Now, he is expected to get more of a runaround on court.

This is due to his marvellous year. While it began slowly, the 24-year-old exploded into action at the Mexican Open by winning a third ATP title. He would lose in the final of the Munich Open before his incredible Roland Garros run ended in a five-set defeat in the final against Alexander Zverev.

From rivals to teammates as Cobolli joins the recent US Open champion and Carlos Alcaraz as the three highest-ranked players in the event. Young duo Rafael Jodar and Jakub Mensik as well as Casper Ruud make up the team.

Standing in their way of glory in the exhibition are Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik and Francisco Cerundolo.

The World No.7 will traverse to the O2 in London full of confidence after moving up the ranks on the ATP Tour. Still very young, the Italian has a prosperous tennis career ahead of him if he keeps up at the pace he is going.

“I never expected all my life this kind of result, and I’m so proud of myself. For me it’s not done, it’s only the start," he said ahead of the tournament beginning on September 25.

The progression has been shown through his roles in the Team Europe squad. Along with his singles expertise, his doubles showings have been strong in 2026, most notably reaching the final of the US Open mixed doubles with Belinda Bencic while earlier in the year winning the Indian Wells title alongside the Swiss star.

“In Berlin I was an alternate and last year played for the first time for Laver Cup,” Cobolli said. “It is a feeling I never had before. I played one match; I lost, but something that I never forget for sure. Something that we never have in a normal Tour. I like to play; I would like to beat the other team. We have another chance. I’m really excited.”

He will relish the pressure on his shoulders, supporting the likes of Alcaraz and Zverev in their quest for glory. “The team is incredible. We already talk about the Laver Cup,” he said. “We’re ready to fight, and we’re ready to fight for Team Europe.”

While the majority of the talent pool in tennis resides in Europe, the rest of the world also has a strong list of players to pick from. Ben Shelton was supposed to lead his team into battle but opted to withdraw following his US Open final run as he decided to focus on the Davis Cup for the USA.

Nonetheless, they still have the likes of de Minaur and Fritz to headline their team. They will be looking to defend their title after causing a surprise last time out.

Coming back from a deficit, a phenomenal second day put them out ahead, and they got the job done on day three to win 15-9. After Team Europe won the first four editions, they have only clinched one in the last four, coming in Berlin in 2024 in a tight 13-11 win.

Cobolli's impact was not made due to his status as an alternate. He is now a flourishing member of Team Europe and if they are going to snatch their crown back, his class on court will be hugely pivotal.