The Italian tennis player is reported to have repeated Cunha’s celebration after a dramatic five-set victory over Karen Khachanov. Cobolli recovered from two sets to one down before sealing his place in the next round.
It was a playful scene, but also a reminder of how football celebrations travel. A forward’s personal trademark can become a shared language for athletes in entirely different sports.
Cunha reportedly arrives at the knockout stage with three goals in the tournament, having helped Brazil recover from a difficult meeting with Japan.
The report describes a 2-1 comeback in Houston, with Casemiro equalising before Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. Cunha’s influence was also visible after the final whistle, when he comforted Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was in tears following elimination.
That gesture offered a different side of the Brazilian. The celebration reflects confidence and flair; the embrace showed empathy in a high-pressure tournament.
For Cunha, the attention now returns to the World Cup. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, will need the forward’s energy and personality in a knockout match where individual moments can define an entire campaign.
Cobolli is due to face Alex de Minaur next, while Cunha’s own next stage is against Norway. The surf celebration may have crossed into tennis, but the Brazilian’s next statement must come on the football field.