Bradenton, Florida native Sebastian Korda of the United States and Flavio Cobolli of Italy will contest for the men’s singles championship at the 2024 Mubadala Citi Open in Washington DC.
Korda barged into his eighth ATP Tour finals after dispatching countryman Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 6-4 6-4. Korda blasted 12 aces and won 27 of the 72 points on his first serves.
The American was taken to a deciding set only once during this run, and it happened against Thanasis Kokkinakis whom he defeated 7-6, 7-5, 3-2 ret. Meanwhile, Cobolli had to overcome a fierce battle with 4-6 7-5 6-3 to advance to the finals of the Citi Open.
The 22-year-old Italian won almost half of the 87 points he scored in the match on his first serves while breaking Shelton three times. Cobolli is seeking for his first ATP Tour title in his first finals appearance.
Korda Could Be on the Wrong End of History
Korda defeated Cobolli 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 in their first and only meeting in the second round of the Rome Masters. Korda will have a home advantage, while Cobolli will rely on his excellent form on hard courts this season.
The Italian has a 15-7 record, representing a 68.2% win rate. Korda, on the other hand, is 10-6 in hard court matches in 2024, representing a 62.5% win rate. This may be an unpopular option, but I’m going with Cobolli in this match.
Even before reaching the finals of this tournament, Cobolli has established himself as one of the ATP Tour’s most promising next-generation players.
It’s simply a matter of time before he gets his breakout win, which might happen as early as Sunday. Our betting prediction for Sabastian Korda vs. Flavio Cobolli: Cobolli will win.