Cobolli sweet tooth produces Cincinnati win

Fiavio Cobolli called for a handful of sweets on court to fuel his 2-6,6-3, 6-4 fightback win over Tommy Paul which put the Italian into the semi-finals on Thursday of the Cincinnati Masters.

The M&M candies brought to the court were just the trick for Cobolli, the Roland Garros finalist. The hack seemed to mimic the shot of espresso often taken on the player bench at key moments by Italian compatriot Luciano Darderi.

“A sweet with chocolate makes me happy,” Cobolli said. “I’ve tried it in doubles so why not singles.”

Cobolli eliminated one of four US players in the quarter-final field with his comeback victory. He overcame Paul after the American fought through five deuces and saved four break points late in the deciding set.

Paul came to the match having defeated top seed Alexander Zverev, saving a match point along the way.

“It was a difficult day,” Cobolli said. “I’m proud of my effort, my game and my mental strength. It is all good practice for the US Open.

“My shape is 100 percent. I may play gold tomorrow on a day off to relax but I will be ready to fight again.”

Main photo:- Flavio Cobolli celebrates – ATPTour.com