After his win over Karen Khachanov, Cobolli reportedly copied Matheus Cunha’s trademark celebration. The following day, Brazil, with Cunha in their squad, were beaten by Norway.
The coincidence was impossible to ignore, even if Cobolli’s gesture was clearly intended as admiration rather than any prediction. His explanation was straightforward: he follows football closely and enjoys celebrating the players he respects.
Brazil’s defeat gave the story its first twist. Portugal’s result then made the joke look even more elaborate.
Following his reported fourth-round victory over Alex de Minaur, Cobolli performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “siuuu” celebration. The update says Portugal and Ronaldo were then eliminated by Spain.
Cobolli’s own words carried a playful warning, but also underlined the personal connection. He remains a Roma supporter and, according to the report, was in the club’s youth system until his early teens. His football interests also include players from his younger years, such as Riccardo Calafiori and Edoardo Bove.
This is more than a social-media gimmick. Cobolli appears to see football as part of his identity, bringing its emotion and theatre onto the tennis court.
If Cobolli beats Fery, attention will turn immediately to his next choice. England-related possibilities include Jude Bellingham’s arms-aloft pose or Harry Kane’s jump, while Erling Haaland’s meditation celebration could offer another route.
The next match will decide whether the football subplot continues. Whatever happens, Cobolli’s celebration - and the result that follows - is now likely to receive almost as much attention as the tennis itself.