Key Takeaways
- Flavio Cobolli defeated Tristan Schoolkate 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in the second round of the 2026 US Open.
- Basking in the electric atmosphere, Cobolli admitted, “today today is I I love to be Flavio Cobolli.”
- Sporting over 50 tattoos, Cobolli hinted that his next ink design could be “the ball of US Open.”
Flavio Cobolli continued his remarkable campaign in New York with a hard-fought second-round victory over Australian opponent Tristan Schoolkate at the 2026 US Open. Cobolli advanced after battling through a four-set test, overcoming Schoolkate 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to punch his ticket to the next stage at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Addressing the passionate crowd during his on-court interview following the match, Cobolli was quick to express his gratitude for the vocal energy lifting him across the opening rounds. “Yeah. First of all, thank you guys. You guys helped me a lot during these two matches and uh yeah, I feel incredible involved with you and uh I love you,” Cobolli told the fans. “Play in front of you and uh it’s always special to play on this court uh with this crowd. I I heard a lot of Italian and uh a lot of Roma’s t-shirts, so it’s very it’s very beautiful play here.”
Giving Back and Enjoying the Journey
With an eventful season already behind him that featured a maiden Grand Slam final, his first top-10 breakthrough, a tour title, and a reputation for treating the audience by tossing shoes and tennis balls into the stands, Cobolli was asked about what it feels like to live life in the spotlight. The Italian credited his partners for helping him share joy with young spectators.
“I mean, my my sponsor is generous with me and generous with the fans, so uh I’m trying to give something always to the to the kids and uh it’s always special to play in front of them,” Cobolli explained. Reflecting candidly on the highs and lows of professional tennis, he added, “so uh Flavio Cobolli is be Flavio Cobolli is always uh I mean, uh sometimes good, sometimes no. So, today today is I I love to be Flavio Cobolli.”
Inked Inspiration: The Next Tattoo
The conversation also drifted to Cobolli’s extensive body art, having turned heads earlier this season at the Delray Beach Open with a Hulk tattoo. When asked what goes into deciding to get another piece, Cobolli clarified that he already has dozens and does not wait around for a special occasion.
“Uh nothing. Just tell me. Just tell me, I do. Uh there is no ghost for tattoo. I love to make tattoo. I have more than 50, so if I woke up tomorrow I want to go to make a tattoo, I go,” he stated with a grin. “So, any goals for the tattoo. I if you tell me something I I’m going to do.”
When pressed on what ink could possibly come next after his memorable days in Flushing Meadows, Cobolli offered a local suggestion that delighted the New York faithful: “Uh, US Open sign, I mean the ball of US Open. It can be the ball of US Open.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNP5jdFmxRQ
ATP U.S. Open - Flavio Cobolli's projected path
Cobolli at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.6 (career-high), Flavio owns a 34-18 match record in 2026. Flavio is playing at the moment at the U.S. Open where he conquered the world no.119 Francisco Comesana 3-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 and the world no.180 Tristan Schoolkate 3-6 6-3 6-4 7-5.
Flavio Cobolli will face the world no.34 Alexander Blockx in the 3rd round. Their actual head to head record is 1-1.
The Italian conquered 1 title in 2026 in Acapulco.
