Flavio Cobolli conquered his first ATP title in Bucharest. The 22-year-old Italian defeated Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-4 in the title clash in an hour and 46 minutes. Thus, he became the fifth first-time ATP champion in 2025.
Flavio kicked off the season with two wins at the United Cup before embracing eight consecutive losses! However, he raised his level in Bucharest and defeated five rivals to lift a trophy and return into the top-40.
Cobolli never chased the result against Baez. He kept his composure in the closing stages in the final stages of the duel to emerge at the top and achieve a milestone.
Flavio claimed three points more than Sebastian. The Italian served at 45% and drew the most from such a low percentage after denying two of four break points. Baez served at 84% but struggled in his games.
He lost 43% of the points and got broken four times from 11 chances offered to his opponent. They stayed neck and neck from the baseline and at the net. Cobolli drew the rival's mistake in the third game of the duel and provided an early break.
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Baez pulled the break back in the next one with a crafty drop shot, returning to the positive side. The Italian clinched another break in game seven when his rival placed a forehand long, The 22-year-old held after a deuce in game eight and served for the opener at 5-4.
Cobolli held at 15, clinching the first part of the duel 6-4 in 42 minutes in cold and rainy conditions. Like in the opener, Flavio secured a break in the third game of the second set after the rival's forehand mistake. The Italian delivered two fine holds and forged a 4-2 advantage.
Sebastian lost the ground and experienced another break in game seven when his backhand landed long. Cobolli served for the win in game eight and wasted three match points. Baez converted the third match point with a lob winner to reduce the deficit and prolong the battle.
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The ninth game saw another marathon. The Argentine defended two more match points with winners at the net and erased the third before holding after the Italian's mistake to prolong the battle. Flavio served for the win for the second time at 5-4.
He generated his seventh match point with a backhand down the line winner and seized it with a lob winner, falling to the ground and celebrating his first ATP title.
