Flavio Cobolli Retires in Vienna After Left Leg Injury
Vienna, I’m sorry to say goodbye like this. I love this tournament and I was really looking forward to challenging Matteo, with all of you in the stands.
Flavio Cobolli wrote on Instagram after withdrawing from the Erste Bank Open, an ATP 500 tournament on indoor hard courts in Vienna, Austria. The Italian tennis player was forced to abandon his match against friend Matteo Berrettini during the eighth game due to a left thigh muscle problem, trailing 2-5 at the changeover.
Cobolli entered the court with a visible bandage on his left leg, having already experienced physical issues during his opening match against Dimitrov, when he required a medical timeout between the second and third sets. During the derby between the two, Cobolli signaled that he could no longer continue. He pulled his towel over his head and wept on the bench before leaving the court to applause from the Vienna crowd.
Social Media Message Clarifies Tearful Exit
Addressing fans on social media after the match, Cobolli explained that his tears were not caused by physical agony. I felt something in the match the other night, but I wanted to give it my all. Today, however, I realized that continuing would have meant pushing too hard, and I had to stop.
he wrote. Those tears weren’t of pain. They were emotion, perhaps a little stress, and the disappointment of having to leave the camp when I just wanted to stay.
Hard to watch this one 💔Berrettini advances as Cobolli is forced to retire… Wishing Flavio a speedy recovery 🙌@ErsteBankOpen | #ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/hHsrk5kSs0
Berrettini, who advanced to the quarterfinals to face Alex De Minaur, consoled his opponent on the court and spoke empathetically about the situation in his post-match interview. I’m really sorry for him. I’ve been through this so many times, maybe too many. That’s why I got emotional.
Berrettini said. I know how difficult it can be, and I know how much you want to be in Turin. And the last thing you want is to get injured a few weeks early. But let’s hope it’s nothing too serious.
ATP Finals Race and Paris Masters Outlook
Cobolli currently holds the fifth position in the Race, keeping him in strong contention for a spot at the ATP Finals, which begin on November 15. Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton have already secured their qualification places.

Cobolli expressed optimism regarding his participation in the upcoming Paris Masters. I’ll take all the tests tomorrow and I’ll update you as soon as I can. Don’t worry, I plan to be in Paris.
he stated on Instagram. His physical condition will determine his readiness for the French Masters 1000 event and subsequent considerations for the Davis Cup and Turin.
Questions Regarding the Vienna Retirement
When did Flavio Cobolli retire from the Vienna tournament?
Cobolli retired on October 29, 2026, during his match against Matteo Berrettini at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
Termina agli ottavi di finale il percorso di Luciano Darderi a Vienna: Tommy Paul si impone con un doppio 6-1. pic.twitter.com/ZPQCTlyqJP
Who will Matteo Berrettini play next in Vienna?
Following his advancement via Cobolli’s retirement, Berrettini faces Alex De Minaur in the tournament quarterfinals.
What is Cobolli’s current standing in the Race to Turin?
Cobolli occupies the fifth position in the Race to the ATP Finals, maintaining strong qualification prospects despite the setback in Austria.
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