The 2026 French Open has delivered some unforgettable storylines and welcomed new stars to the spotlight on both men’s and women’s sides. While tennis fans would’ve expected the top two seeds to contest the men’s singles final on Sunday, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s early departure opened the door for his countrymen to shine at the tournament.
Three of the four men that entered the quarterfinals in Sinner’s half of the draw were Italian, with Flavio Cobolli coming out on top after Matteo Berrettini’s quarterfinal retirement and Matteo Arnaldi’s semifinal withdrawal. The 24-year-old star, ranked No. 14 in the world, has reached his first Grand Slam final, dropping just two sets en route. He is chasing his fourth career title in Paris, having won two ATP 500 titles in Acapulco and Hamburg and an ATP 250 title in Bucharest.
At the French Open, Cobolli is enjoying support from his loved ones, who have been there by his side through the good and the bad moments. Let’s take a closer look at the Italian’s support system ahead of his French Open final against second seed Alexander Zverev.
Flavio Cobolli’s Parents and Brother
Cobolli was born in Florence and raised in Subiaco in the Metropolitan City of Rome. His father, Stefano, is a former tennis player who coached at the Rome Tennis Academy, helping players like Matteo Berrettini during their junior years.
Not much is known about his mother, Francesca, who keeps her life private. Cobolli has, however, mentioned his mother’s integral contribution to the emotional aspect of his life and career. The tennis star also has a younger brother named Guglielmo.
Cobolli, who loved soccer as a child, has often credited his father for his growth in tennis.
Flavio Cobolli’s Girlfriend Matilde
Cobolli has been in a relationship with Matilde Galli since he was 18 years old. The player was introduced to Galli at his best friend’s birthday party. “I knew her when I was no one,” Cobolli told ATPTour.com. “I was one-thousand-and-something in the world, and we’re still together. So I think we found something that, of course, is working.”
“My best dream is watching her happy in what she does. When she’s nervous, I try to be kind to her and help make her life easier,” he said.
In April, when Cobolli finished as the runner-up in Munich, he jokingly blamed his girlfriend for his failure in the final.
Flavio Cobolli’s Coaching Team
Cobolli is primarily coached by his father, Stefano, who took over the duties when the player was 17 years old. Albero Cammarata is his longtime physiotherapist, while Giulio Rubini is his strength and conditioning coach. The Italian previously opened up about the complexities of a father-son coaching relationship.
“It is tough when your dad is your coach,” Cobolli told ATPTour.com. “When I was young we would just discuss football (soccer). As I have grown up and we have worked together, we have developed a really good relationship, and I listen to him more now than ever before. I think we can do great things together.”
“It is important that when we are home, we don’t talk about tennis. If we fight on court, we keep it on court. It can be tough on court at times because we both want to be right, but he is a great person and I love working with him.”
Cobolli and his father deeply value their Italian roots and share a dream of representing the country at the Olympics. Amid the rise of Italian tennis, the player fell just one place short of competing at Stade Roland-Garros during the 2024 Paris Olympics. He made his country proud by leading team Italy to a third straight Davis Cup title last year, in the absence of Jannik Sinner.
