Cobolli fueled by candy in sweet defeat of Paul

Flavio Cobolli advanced to the semifinals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters on Thursday with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Tommy Paul, gobbling down a handful of sweets for an unorthodox boost midway through the match.

The Roland Garros runner-up asked for the treats to be brought to the court and seemingly took energy from the pause before dispatching Paul, who had himself eliminated top seed Alexander Zverev 24 hours earlier.

FORZA, FLAVIO! 😤@cobollifla rallies from a set down to defeat Paul and reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. @CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/BQCk3PYtNB

"A sweet with chocolate makes me happy," Cobolli said. "I've tried it in doubles so why not singles?"

Cobolli mounted the comeback after dropping the opening set against Paul, one of four US men in the last-eight stage.

With the match tied at a set apiece, the American needed an extraordinary effort to hold serve for 4-3 in the final set, battling through five deuces and saving four break points.

But Cobolli ignored the showing as he closed out victory.

New territory unlocked 🌟@cobollifla reaches the last four in Cincinnati! @CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/thUrLsf0uG — ATP Tour (@atptour) August 20, 2026

"It was a difficult day," the winner 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 per cent. I may play golf tomorrow on a day off to relax but I will be ready to fight again."

Cobolli is the 11th different Italian to reach a Masters semifinals since the series began 36 years ago.

His unusual candy break was somewhat reminiscent of the espresso shots often downed in the heat of battle by his compatriot Luciano Darderi.