Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
How can professional athletes be friends when they compete for the sport’s biggest prize?
Today’s tennis players seem to be closer than ever. French Open finalists Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli are among the best couples.
But both men insist it will not be difficult to separate their personal friendships from their professional focus – who will win their first Grand Slam on Sunday.
Second seed Zverev and Italy’s 10th seed Cobolli will meet on clay for the third time this season, with Cobolli winning in Munich and Zverev in Madrid.
The pair became friends when they were teammates at the Laver Cup in 2024 – where the European team joins the world team – and have developed a bond that Zverev calls “natural”.
After the Roland Garros semifinals, Zverev explained how the 24-year-old Koboli picks his brain about the sport.
Koboli said they enjoy talking about film, and their dads — and their coaches — are friendly.
“He’s a great player, a great person,” Zverev said.
“I like him. I like his dad a lot. They’re great people. It’s his first final, so I’m happy he’s here.”
The 29-year-old has lost in three Grand Slam finals, including the Roland Garros championship two years ago, but Germany’s Zverev is the favorite to win the big title, which he was tipped to eventually win.
“When you’re playing in a Grand Slam final, it’s not that difficult (to put friendships aside) because you’ve reached the best level in tennis,” Zverev said.
“You still try to beat each other and you still try to win, but that doesn’t matter.”
Koboli was going to play another friend in the semi-finals, but he got a walk When his countryman Matteo Arnaldi withdrew. Due to virus.
Koboli has not played a competitive game since Wednesday.
“I will be ready, but I know that I will be new. Maybe (not playing) helped me, maybe not. I will tell you after the end,” Koboli said.
