Cobolli Vows to Smile Despite French Open Final Heartbreak

Flavio Cobolli left everything on the court at Roland Garros, but the pressure of his first Grand Slam final proved too much. The Italian lost to a formidable opponent in five sets, but his journey from unknown to finalist has transformed his career.

"I have a very different level of self-belief now," Cobolli said. His eyes are set on the ATP Finals in Turin, a goal he set before the tournament began. Despite the loss, he sees a bright future.

The 24-year-old admitted the weight of the occasion hit him hard. "I woke up with a huge knot in my stomach," he said, acknowledging that experience in big moments is something he must build. He paid tribute to his mother, who was courtside for his biggest match.

With no regrets, Cobolli says the defeat must be taken with a smile. "We gave everything," he said. "Nobody can take away that we played a Grand Slam final."