Flavio Cobolli came back from one set down to beat Ugo Humbert 3-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-2 after 2 hours and 6 minutes at the United Cup
Both players went on serve in the first seven games before Humbert earned his first break to take a 5-3 lead. The Frenchman held serve at 15 to win the first set 6-3.
Humbert won his first 17 service points in the second set and broke serve in the ninth game earning a chance to serve for the match at 6-3 5-4 15-0. Humbert was in control of the match and did not face a break point until that point. but Cobolli broke straight back to draw level to 5-5. Cobolli earned two set points at 6-4 in the tie-break, but Humbert won the news two points to draw level to 6-6. Cobolli saved a match point at 8-7 in the tie-break when Humbert hit a forehand up the line and missed just wide.
Cobolli won the final three points to seal the tie-break 10-8 after Humbert made a double fault.
Cobolli won 48% of his return points and went up a double break in the third and fifth games to win the third set 6-2.
“I think that we did a great match. It was a great battle to start the season, so I am really happy about the match. I think I played a good match and it was tough to come back Ugo. Congratulations to Ugo and and I wish him good luck for his season”, said Cobolli.
Jasmine Paolini cruised past world number 123 Chice Paquet 6-0 6-2 to seal a 2-0 win for the Italian team. Paolini reeled off the first seven games of the match before Paquet fired an ace to hold serve for 1-1 getting the first game on the scoreboard. Paolini saved the only break point she faced and converted all five break points she earned. Paolini dropped just four games in her two group stage matches.
“I am happy with my performance. I was focused every time. I think everything worked well. I am happy that Flavio won an amazing match. It’s unbelievable. He was a set and a break down. He turned the match. It’s unbelievable”, said Jasmine Paolini.
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori beat Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger Vasselin 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in the mixed doubles match to complete the sweep.
