“She tried to intimidate me, but it didn’t work”: Flavio Cobolli reveals Serena Williams’ playful mind game

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 22:30

Serena Williams smiles walking back from practice.

Flavio Cobolli joked that Serena Williams tried to intimidate him before their US Open mixed doubles quarter-final, although the exchange was clearly more playful than serious. The Italian revealed that the 23-time Grand Slam champion told him she spoke better Italian than he did before taking the court alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Whatever Williams' intention, Cobolli did not seem particularly bothered by it. He and Belinda Bencic went on to defeat Williams and Alcaraz 5-4(4), 4-1 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, reaching the semifinals and ending one of the most anticipated mixed doubles pairings of the tournament.

The occasion already had plenty of weight. Williams was returning to the US Open at 44, four years after her last appearance at the tournament, while Alcaraz was playing his first competitive tennis since suffering a wrist injury in Barcelona in April. The Spaniard is also the defending US Open men's singles champion.

Bencic and Cobolli, meanwhile, already knew exactly what they could produce together. The pair won the BNP Paribas Mixed Doubles title at Indian Wells earlier this year, defeating several established doubles specialists along the way. They reunited in New York and entered the tournament as the No. 4 seeds.

Serena's playful mind game falls flat

After the match, Cobolli explained the exchange with Serena Williams, admitting that facing the American legend was something he never expected to experience.

“I never thought I'd play against Serena in my life, it was incredible,” Cobolli said - as reported by Punto de Break. “She told me she speaks better Italian than me. She tried to intimidate me before the match, but it didn't work.”

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The comment was delivered in a light-hearted way, but it made for a fitting anecdote after Cobolli and Bencic had pulled off the upset. Once play began, the Italian looked completely comfortable despite the occasion and quickly became one of the difference-makers.

The opening set featured no breaks and went to a tiebreak. Williams produced some trademark moments at the net, including a poach and backhand drive volley, while her return helped Alcaraz and Williams move ahead 4-3.

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Bencic and Cobolli responded when it mattered. Cobolli produced a huge smash to level the breaker at four, and the fourth seeds won the next three points to take the set after 33 minutes. “I think Flavio made the difference,” Bencic said during the on-court interview.

That proved to be the story of the second set. Cobolli's aggressive returning helped create the first break of the match, with a searing return handcuffing Alcaraz and allowing the pair to move ahead 5-4, 3-1.

They never looked back. Cobolli then served out the match at love, completing the victory in just 55 minutes and sending the pair into the final four.

From Indian Wells champions to US Open contenders

The victory underlines why Bencic and Cobolli chose to reunite for the US Open. Their Indian Wells title had already shown that their partnership could work against specialist doubles opposition, and the revamped New York format has rewarded teams that can make quick decisions under pressure.

The US Open mixed doubles event features first-to-four-game sets, no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tiebreak in place of a traditional third set. Bencic and Cobolli have adapted particularly well, winning both of their matches on Tuesday without dropping a set.

Perfect day at the office 🫡

Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli end the run of Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz 5-4, 4-1 to reach the semifinals! pic.twitter.com/S9ymVwYOoz
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2026

They first defeated Alexander Zverev and Taylor Townsend 4-2, 4-2 before facing the much bigger challenge of Williams and Alcaraz. Now they will meet Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in the semifinals after the married couple defeated Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten.

For Cobolli, it is another opportunity to build on what has already been a remarkable 2026 season. He has reached the Roland Garros singles final and is now enjoying another deep Grand Slam run, this time alongside Bencic.

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The pair already know what it feels like to win together. Their Indian Wells trophy came after beating several established doubles players. Now they are two victories away from doing it again on an even bigger stage. And after Serena's playful attempt to get inside Cobolli's head, the Italian has his answer: it did not work.

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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