Italian tennis star Flavio Cobolli has explained that his celebration after a thrilling five-set victory at Wimbledon was a tribute to Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha, stemming from a bet with his coach while watching the World Cup.
Cobolli's Comeback Victory
Cobolli, the ninth seed, faced Russia's Karen Khachanov on court two on Saturday. After falling two sets to one down, he mounted a remarkable comeback to win 0-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2. He will now face Australia's Alex de Minaur in the last 16 on Monday.
The Celebration Explained
Following his win, Cobolli replicated Cunha's trademark surfer celebration. In his post-match interview, he said: "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."
Cunha's World Cup Performance
While Cobolli prepares for his next match, Cunha is focusing on Brazil's last 16 clash against Norway at the World Cup on Sunday evening. The United forward has scored three goals in the tournament so far, after contributing 10 across all competitions for Manchester United last season. Cunha responded to Cobolli's celebration on Instagram, writing: "Go for it, man."
Cunha's Sportsmanship
Cunha also showed his character off the pitch at the World Cup. After Brazil's 2-1 victory over Japan, he consoled Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was left in tears following Japan's late stoppage-time defeat. Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 after Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead, but former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro equalised with a header, and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner deep into stoppage time.
