HAMBURG/STARNBERG, May 24, 2025
Flavio Cobolli is the champion of the 2025 Bitpanda Hamburg Open. The Italian claimed his first ATP 500 title with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over third seed Andrey Rublev in a thrilling final on Saturday.
The match began precisely at 2:40 p.m. under ideal weather conditions – significantly milder than in previous days. On a sold-out Centre Court, there was no slow start or lengthy feeling-out phase between the two finalists, who were meeting for the first time on the ATP Tour. Cobolli struck immediately, breaking Rublev with his aggressive, attacking tennis to take the early lead. Rublev struggled to find his rhythm, making a high number of unforced errors and landing too few first serves. The World No. 17 showed visible frustration, even throwing his racket onto the red clay early in the match. Within ten minutes, Cobolli was up 3-0 – a lightning-fast start that visibly boosted the World No. 35’s confidence. Time and again, he beat his chest or pumped his fist in the direction of his team.
Cobolli also overcame a brief shaky moment. After a double fault, he was broken for 2-4, but quickly regained composure and broke Rublev right back. With spectacular volleys and fearless shot-making, Cobolli pushed Rublev into the corners and repeatedly wowed the crowd. He closed out the set 6-2, thoroughly deserved. Until now, his biggest ATP Tour success had been a title win at the ATP 250 event in Bucharest in April.
In the second set, Rublev steadied himself on serve, and both players began to trade blows on equal footing in some dazzling rallies – a fitting climax to the tournament. But Cobolli managed to tip the momentum once more in his favor. Serving for the title after one hour and 19 minutes, he showed brief signs of nerves, including a double fault that gave Rublev two break points. However, the Italian fought them off with grit and determination and converted his first match point shortly after.
At 4:10 p.m., after a total of one hour and 28 minutes, Cobolli sank to the ground in disbelief. Rublev, ever the sportsman, was the first to congratulate him. The crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation.
FLAVIO BRILLANTE @cobollifla defeats Rublev 6-2 6-4 to clinch the biggest title of his career at @hamburgopenatp! pic.twitter.com/46UsEIQogf
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 24, 2025
“I can’t even describe this. I played the best match of my life,” Cobolli said, as he celebrated the biggest win of his career and a prize purse of €403,665. “Thank you to everyone who made this week so special – the ball kids, the umpires, and above all, the fans. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to play my best tennis. I hope to see you again next year.”
Bolelli/Vavassorit triumph in doubles
The Italian celebration began even earlier in the day, when Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori cruised to the doubles title with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Andres Molteni of Argentina and Brazilian Fernando Romboli in just one hour and eight minutes.
The tournament organizers have already announced next year’s edition: the 2026 Bitpanda Hamburg Open will take place from May 16 to May 23.
