Flavio Cobolli and Arthur Fils will be facing each other for the third time in their careers when they clash in the Cincinnati Open semifinals on Saturday afternoon. Fils has won both of their previous encounters — in straight sets at the 2023 NextGen ATP Finals and again in straights at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters.
The 21st-ranked Frenchman looks well positioned to make it three in a row over Cobolli. He is red hot on this hard-court swing, with his only two losses coming to a similarly in-form Rafael Jodar — including in the Montreal quarterfinals a couple of weeks ago. Fils now finds himself in the Cincinnati semis following victories over Yannick Hanfmann, Jiri Lehecka, Alex de Minaur, and Thiago Agustin Tirante. Lehecka is the only opponent who has taken a set, and that was 9-7 in a tiebreaker.
Cobolli’s route to the last four was far more circuitous. In fact, the 10th-ranked Italian came back from a set down in every one of his first four matches against Miomir Kecmanovic, Alexander Blockx, Jodar, and Tommy Paul. This is a much-needed run for Cobolli, who had been 0-3 in his last three matches dating back to the Wimbledon quarterfinals prior to arriving in Cincy.
The entertainment factor in this showdown should be very high, as these are two of the best athletes on tour and they also bring two of the most explosive forehands to the court. Still, it feels like Fils has a clear edge. He has dominated this matchup in the past and has been the more impressive of the two throughout this fortnight.
Pick: Fils in 2
WWW?
I took Cobolli to win a set vs Jodar/Took the Over 23 Gms vs Paul. Cobolli is a different player after the 2nd round lol. He loses out the gate or pushes to the finals lol. Cobolli for a set at least
No matter who wins this semi — and I think Fils is more likely to — you guys have a home player in the final regardless. And might well have at least one in the WTA final as well.
final will be Fils over Foe
Ah but the intangibles!
I think I have more fun because I can just enjoy rather than try to make predictions when there’s really interesting meetings. On the other hand maybe you enjoy making predictions.
Fils does look amazing; and fully formed rather than just early 20s developing.
There you go, you called it, Ricky!
Nakashima started extremely well and was leading at first but ultimately it does look like he finally ran out of fuel. Like Jodar the other day.
Good on Frances Tiafoe, getting to a 1000 final. And both players must be very heartened going into the US Open by their standard of play leading up. Their batteries should be full again by then!
Now we need to see the draw!
Cobolli in 3
“Entertaining” is the right description…wish I were there to see it….Fils in 2.
congratulations to us