OLBIA/STARNBERG, October 19, 2023
Olbia, situated on the northeastern coast of the stunning island of Sardinia, is a city that encapsulates the essence of Italian beauty and charm. With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, Olbia has become a magnet for travelers seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience.
This week the island is playing host to the stars of the ATP Challenger Tour, who compete in the inaugural Olbia Challenger. The hard-court tournament offers a total prize money of €145,000 and is organized by MEF Tennis Events.
Home favourite Flavio Cobolli booked his spot in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The seventh-seeded Italian beat his compatriot Federico Gaio 6-2, 6-4. Coballi sent down four aces and won 79 per cent of his first-service points to succeed in one hour and 19 minutes.
Flawless from Flavio Cobolli 💪⚡
The 21-year-old knocks out Gaio 6-2, 6-4 to book a final eight spot in Olbia#ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/YSJQ6FRbMd
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 18, 2023
“Facing Federico is always complicated; he is a friend and has had a great season. Personally, I am motivated and happy with my performance,” said Cobolli, who has achieved his best-ever ranking at World No. 106 and continues his pursuit of the Top 100 and qualification for the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah.
“Adapting to the hard court after so much clay was not complicated, especially because here in Olbia, the surface is quite slow.”
Up next for the 21-year-old Florence native will be No. 2 seed Constant Lestienne of France, who defeated his fellow countryman Arthur Cazaux 6-2, 6-4. The encounter lasted 90 minutes.
WEDNESDAY RESULTS
Singles – Second Round
Flavio Cobolli (7) b. Federico Gaio 6-2 6-4Constant Lestienne (2) b. Arthur Cazaux 6-2 6-4
Singles – First Round
Ugo Blanchet (SE) b. Zdenek Kolar 7-5 6-1Kyrian jacquet (Q) b. Vladyslav Orlov (Q) 5-7 6-3 6-4
Joris De Loore (SE) b. Thiago Tirante (3) 6-3 6-2Mathias Bourgue (Q) b. Corentin Moutet (6) 7-6(4) 1-6 6-1
