"My goal is clear: to break into the top 10" - Cobolli lists off overall goal for 2026 following triumphant Davis Cup run

Flavio Cobolli has targeted a debut in the top 10 next year as he looks to prolong the postive momentum from winning Italy the 2025 Davis Cup.

After finding himself a set down against Jaume Munar, he dug in deep to fight his way back into the tie. Once on level terms, he showed more composure in the nerve-wracking points that followed for both nations to clinch a phenomenal third Davis Cup title on the bounce for Italy.

It was a truly special moment for him to have sealed the deal for his nation. "I had never felt such a great emotion, an entire stadium chanting my name," Cobolli told Corriere della Sera. "I had fun, even when I had to come back from a set down against Munar; I was learning. I understood that, as Volandri says, you don't always win the Davis Cup with champions. Alcaraz didn't win in Malaga, and this year Zverev lost in the semifinals. I understood that you need a special attachment to the jersey and a desire to win that goes beyond your own abilities."

Italy missed two key components of their team: Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. Especially Sinner were they missing a player they could rely on getting over the line. But in the end, Cobolli and a flawless Matteo Berrettini were enough. "Jannik is essential in everything he does, but in Bologna, over time, a strong conviction developed. In training, he didn't play well, he always lost, but that feeling grew and made us all feel invincible. Everyone did their part. [Lorenzo] Sonego didn't miss a single play, not even to go to the bathroom. [Simone] Bolelli and [Andrea] Vavassori were very encouraging, I supported Matteo and then he supported me. Everyone did their part."

The 23-year-old has been firm with his target for the 2026 campaign. "It's something we'll address during the preseason, after the holidays. I trust those around me, my father, so I depend on him. My goal is clear: to break into the top 10," he confidently stated. "I don't know when or how, but without a doubt, to keep up with Jannik and the others, I have to work on my weaknesses. I have to improve my level of play. I don't feel like I have to win every time, but to grow, I have to play, winning and losing."

It has been a great year for Cobolli. He has risen into the top 20 after a successful run at Wimbledon. While his Grand Slam and Masters 1000 form outside of that may have seemed somewhat lacklustre, a quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon has definitely raised some stock in the two-time ATP title winner. Subsequently, both titles have come this year. He defeated Sebastian Beaz in straight sets to win the Tiriac Open Bucharest before a month later getting the better of Andrey Rublev in the Hamburg Open final to record his most impressive feat yet, aside from the last-eight appearance at SW19.

This is not enough for him, as he strives for better in the sport. The Davis Cup success could be the catalyst in a flourishing career for the Italian. "So far, my career has progressed gradually, growing little by little, just the way I like it. Even in team competitions like the Davis Cup, but also in the United Cup and the Laver Cup. I started as a reserve and then became a key player. I've climbed each rung of the ladder, without missing a beat, in an authentic, almost naive way. That's how you build your career, and for me, Bologna will always be a key turning point," he concluded.