Flavio Cobolli, the young prodigy of Italian tennis, has made a bold decision that promises to redefine his season: he has temporarily deleted Instagram and TikTok. At just 23 years old, the world number 20 revealed that constant exposure to social media was affecting his mental health, and a two-week break allowed him to regain the focus and balance he desperately needed. A key supporter during this critical period has been his girlfriend, who provided him with stability and helped manage stress away from digital distractions.
After a disappointing performance at the Australian Open, where he suffered an early exit due to health issues, Cobolli found himself facing a string of defeats against lower-ranked opponents such as Arthur Fery (No. 157), Luca Nardi (No. 94), and Jack Pinnington Jones (No. 138). The Italian tennis player admitted that the start of 2026 “was not ideal,” but his resilience began to pay off at the ATP 250 in Delray Beach, where he has already reached the semi-finals, marking a return to his competitive form.
At a press conference, Cobolli explained his decision: “I distanced myself from social media for two weeks. Sometimes it’s necessary, because being constantly on the phone is not good for your health.” This digital break not only allowed him to breathe but also to regain mental clarity. “Without a doubt, I will return to social media,” he added, emphasizing the importance of his girlfriend in the process: “Having my girlfriend here has helped me a lot mentally. She is with me all day, knows me well, and knows when I should talk or when I need space.”
On the court, Cobolli displayed a renewed attitude in Delray Beach, overcoming Coleman Wong in the quarter-finals, reversing a tough second set and dominating the third. “I had a great attitude during the match against Wong, I’m proud of myself,” he stated. The semi-final against Sebastian Korda represents a significant test for the Italian, who believes he can compete with confidence when he is mentally and physically fit. “I don’t have to fear anyone when I’m at my best,” said Cobolli, aware that Korda comes off a surprising victory over the second seed, Casper Ruud.
The initial challenges of Cobolli’s season were exacerbated not only by illness but also by the pressure of following up on his impressive 2025 trajectory, when he helped Italy win the Davis Cup. His recent performances in Delray Beach, combined with the social media break and close support, indicate a necessary recalibration. This move reflects the growing importance of mental health and digital detox for young athletes navigating the competitive top 20.
The clash against Korda, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, will be crucial. With a head-to-head record currently favoring the American 2-0, Cobolli will have the opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready to reach the fourth final of his career. Expectations are high, and the tennis world is eagerly awaiting to see if the Italian can turn his emotional recovery into success on the court.
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
