Italian tennis star Flavio Cobolli paid tribute to Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha by mimicking his iconic surfer celebration after a thrilling five-set victory at Wimbledon on Saturday. The 24-year-old, seeded ninth, defeated Russia's Karen Khachanov 0-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 on court two to advance to the fourth round.
Cobolli's Bet with His Coach
After the match, Cobolli explained the celebration, saying: "It was a bet with my coach. We were watching the World Cup and this is the Brazilian striker [Cunha] that I love to repeat." The Italian will now face Australia's Alex de Minaur in the last 16 on Monday.
Meanwhile, Cunha is preparing for Brazil's Round of 16 match against Norway at the World Cup on Sunday evening. The 27-year-old forward has scored three goals in the tournament so far, adding to his tally of 10 across all competitions for Manchester United last season.
Cunha's Gesture of Sportsmanship
Cunha has also shown class off the pitch. After Brazil's 2-1 victory over Japan, which eliminated Japan from the World Cup, Cunha consoled Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was in tears. Cunha put his arms around Tanaka and offered comforting words in a touching moment.
Japan had taken the lead through Kaishu Sano in the 30th minute, but Brazil equalized through former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro's powerful header. Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner deep into stoppage time, sending Brazil to the Round of 16 and ending Japan's campaign.
