US Open: Cobolli Retires Due to Injury in Italian Derby, Musetti Advances but Disappointed
New York, NY – August 31, 2025 – In a dramatic and unfortunate turn at the 2025 US Open, Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti advanced to the third round after his compatriot Flavio Cobolli was forced to retire mid-match due to injury during their highly anticipated second-round clash on Saturday. The all-Italian derby, which lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium under the lights, ended prematurely in the second set, leaving Musetti visibly emotional as he reflected on the bittersweet victory, stating, “I didn’t want to end like this.”
The match, scheduled as the night session opener on the main show court, pitted the 23-year-old Musetti—seeded No. 13 and riding high after a strong summer hardcourt swing—against the 22-year-old Cobolli, who was making his second-round appearance after a gritty first-round win over qualifier Thiago Agustin Tirante. Both players, representing the rising generation of Italian tennis following Jannik Sinner’s dominance, brought electric energy to the crowd with their baseline prowess and flair. Musetti, known for his one-handed backhand and tactical acumen, started strongly, breaking Cobolli early in the first set to take a 3-1 lead. Cobolli, a powerful baseliner with a big serve, fought back valiantly, leveling the set at 4-4 before Musetti ultimately closed it out 7-5 on serve.
The second set saw Cobolli mount a comeback, breaking Musetti in the third game to lead 2-1. However, as the set progressed, Cobolli began favoring his left leg, grimacing after points and taking a medical timeout at 2-2. Returning to the court, he struggled with mobility, allowing Musetti to break back and level at 3-3. But the injury proved too severe; after holding serve to make it 4-4, Cobolli called for the trainer again during a changeover. Ultimately, at 4-5 and 15-0 down on Musetti’s serve, the young Roman retired from the match, handing the victory to his fellow Italian. The official scoreline stood at 7-5, 5-4 ret., with Musetti advancing to face either Tallon Griekspoor or another qualifier in the third round on Monday.
Post-match, Musetti was candid in his on-court interview, his voice cracking with emotion as he addressed the crowd and Cobolli. “I’m really sorry for Flavio; he’s a great player and a great guy. I didn’t want to win like this—it’s not the way you want to beat your friend,” Musetti said, wiping away tears. “We both wanted to play this out, but health comes first. I hope he recovers quickly; Italy needs players like him.” Cobolli, limping off the court to a standing ovation, later confirmed via a social media post that it was a lower leg injury, possibly a strain exacerbated by the hard courts, and that he would undergo scans immediately. “Tough night, but proud of the fight. Thanks for the support—back stronger,” the 2024 Geneva Open semifinalist wrote on Instagram, garnering thousands of supportive comments from fans worldwide.
The incident highlights the physical toll of the grueling US Open schedule, especially on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, which have been notorious for injuries this year. Musetti, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon earlier in 2025 and won his first Masters 1000 title in Miami, has been managing minor niggles but appeared unaffected in this match. His advancement keeps Italy’s strong presence alive in the draw, with Sinner (the top seed and defending champion) cruising through his section and Jasmine Paolini making waves in the women’s tournament. For Cobolli, ranked around No. 45, the retirement is a setback in what has been a breakthrough year, including his first ATP title in Hamburg.
Tournament officials expressed sympathy for Cobolli and praised the sportsmanship displayed by both players, who shared a heartfelt embrace at the net before the retirement. As the US Open progresses into its second week, with potential blockbusters like Sinner vs. Medvedev looming, this Italian derby will be remembered not for the score but for the camaraderie and raw emotion it evoked. Musetti, now with a 2-0 record against Cobolli, faces a tough test next but carries the weight of a victory he’d rather have earned the hard way. “Tennis is tough, but moments like this remind us why we love it—and why we look out for each other,” he added in his press conference.