Flavio Cobolli vs Zizou Bergs: Prediction for the Match on November 21, 2025
Flavio Cobolli will face Zizou Bergs in the opening singles match of the 2025 Davis Cup semifinals on Friday, November 21, at 18:00 MSK (17:00 GMT) on the indoor hard courts of Unipol Arena in Bologna. Italy seeks a historic third consecutive title, while Belgium is eager to reach the finals for the first time since 2017.
The atmosphere will be charged as 5,000 passionate Azzurri fans create a vibrant backdrop for Cobolli, Italy's promising No. 22 player. With two ATP titles and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance under his belt, Cobolli has emerged as a formidable competitor, particularly following his dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over Filip Misolic in the quarterfinals. This win bolsters Italy's impressive streak of 12 consecutive ties.
Opposing him is Bergs, Belgium's No. 43 player and key to their success in this tournament, boasting a 4-1 record in rubbers this year. He recently secured a crucial 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Arthur Rinderknech, leading Belgium to a surprising 2-0 upset against France. Cobolli is favored with a 60% implied probability of winning, supported by his superior ranking and a 37-29 year-to-date record, compared to Bergs' 33-28. However, their head-to-head record is tied at 1-1, with Bergs previously defeating Cobolli in Bologna last year.
This match is critical: a Cobolli win would set the stage for Italy's doubles strategy and solidify their top-20 standing, while a victory for Bergs would mark a significant turnaround for Belgium. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
Claim Welcome Bonus🇮🇹 Flavio Cobolli: Form and Statistics
Cobolli's career is currently highlighted by a remarkable No. 22 ranking in the ATP, driven by two titles in 2025 (Bucharest and Hamburg) and an impressive 37-29 year-to-date record. His performance includes five victories over top-30 players, showcasing a strong 61% win rate against opponents ranked outside the top 50. Among the elite, Cobolli demonstrates consistency with a 15-6 record on clay and hard courts, effectively converting holds and break opportunities.
In his recent performance in Paris, Cobolli defeated Tomas Machac decisively, winning 6-1, 6-4 in the first round. He displayed exceptional form, winning 82% of his first-serve points and converting three of four break opportunities, while also saving both break points he faced in a swift 78-minute match. His dominance included a dynamic 3-0 start, featuring a powerful forehand that put Machac under pressure, culminating in an ace to secure a 5-4 lead.
While his second-round match against Ben Shelton ended in a close 7-6(4), 6-3 defeat, Cobolli displayed tenacity, taking an early lead in the tiebreak before ultimately succumbing to Shelton's 14 aces and defending five of seven break points over a challenging 92 minutes.
In his last five indoor matches, Cobolli recorded a mix of victories and losses, notably defeating Misolic (6-1, 6-3) in the Davis Cup quarter-finals, while facing tough competition from Shelton and de Minaur. Following his victory over Misolic, Cobolli expressed his joy in an interview with ITF media, stating, 🗣️ "It's the best day of my life – I've always dreamed of wearing this shirt; it's amazing for me."
Strategically, Cobolli's deep returns, as observed in his first round match in Vienna, sustain rallies of five shots or more, effectively neutralizing aggressive opponents. He has shown the ability to dismantle opponents like Bergs with strategic low backhand slices, disrupting their rhythm.
Looking ahead, Cobolli's betting odds present interesting opportunities: a prop bet of Cobolli winning by -2.5 games, and an under 22.5 games bet reflects his recent trends, with an average of fewer than 20 games per match in straight sets. As Cobolli seeks to establish a legacy, a semifinal breakthrough would solidify Italy's aspirations for a three-peat and enhance his position in the top 20.
🇧🇪 Zizou Bergs: Form and Statistics
Bergs has emerged as a formidable competitor, peaking at No. 43 in his career (ATP). His current year-to-date record stands at 33 wins and 28 losses, featuring two finals appearances (Auckland and 's-Hertogenbosch) and four victories against top-20 opponents. This performance positions him as Belgium’s leading player in the mid-50s and boasts an impressive 62% success rate in deciding sets against players ranked outside the top 60.
Focusing on his hard court performance, Bergs holds a 23-18 record this year, which reflects his ability to incorporate effective first serves and strong second returns into his game strategy. In the recent Paris tournament, Bergs began by defeating Alex Michelsen with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in the first round, successfully saving 6 out of 8 break points over two hours and delivering 28 winners. The decisive set saw him assert dominance after recovering from a 0-30 deficit. However, he faced a setback in the second round against Jannik Sinner, losing 4-6, 2-6, where he achieved 40% of his return points but struggled to respond to Sinner’s first serves, concluding the match in just 68 minutes.
In his last five indoor matches, Bergs has recorded a mixed performance: Wins against Rinderknech (6-3, 7-6(4)) and Michelsen, and losses to Sinner and Munar with a notable victory over Thompson (7-5, 6-4). After defeating Rinderknech on November 18, Bergs expressed to ITF media that 🗣️"This victory heals old wounds – Belgium's spirit shines brightest in the fight."
As of September 15, Bergs has increased his net approaches to 25% with a 66% success rate, indicating strong offensive play. In an anticipated match against Cobolli, Bergs may leverage his flat forehands to dominate at the net.
Betting insights suggest Bergs +2.5 games at odds of 1.80 and over 2.5 sets at 2.10 due to his ability to extend matches against top-50 opponents. This year, Bergs’ hard court performance (23-18) reflects a strategic use of pace and aggressive play, paving the way for significant progress in his career. A semifinals appearance this season would not only mark a pivotal moment in his trajectory but also serve as a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of past challenges.
Flavio Cobolli vs Zizou Bergs Head-to-Head Statistics
H2H: Cobolli 1–1 overall (ATP/ITF).
In the recent 2024 Davis Cup match in Bologna, Bergs triumphed over Cobolli with scores of 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-0 in a thrilling 2-hour and 10-minute contest featuring 25 total games and five breaks. Bergs displayed remarkable return skills, converting three out of four break points following Cobolli's equalization in the second set. On indoor hard courts, Cobolli's record stands at 0-1 against Bergs, highlighting Bergs' effectiveness in extended rallies. This performance turned the tide from their previous US Open matchup, where Cobolli won three sets to one. For those interested in betting, consider the over 22.5 games, given their average of 26.5 games per match.
Flavio Cobolli vs. Zizou Bergs Betting Tips and Odds
- Cobolli -2.5 games — His Paris hold nets cushions vs. flat guns like Bergs.
- Over 22.5 games – H2H norms and Bergs' deciders drag deep on greased hards.
- Cobolli 2-1 sets – Bergs bags a frame with returns, but Cobolli's saves seal the third.
Flavio Cobolli vs. Zizou Bergs Match Prediction
In the November 21 opener in Bologna, Cobolli's composure will be put to the test against Bergs' energy in a match that could define Italy’s future or highlight Belgium’s potential.
In the first set, Cobolli’s serve will prove effective, earning him crucial points with aces. He will capitalize on a mistake from Bergs at 3-2, taking advantage of a forehand error, which reflects his strong first-serve performance from previous matches in Paris against Bergs' doubles play. The first set concludes with a score of 6-4.
In the second set, Bergs will retaliate with precision, utilizing backhand shots to disrupt Cobolli's rhythm. He will secure a 30-40 hold at 2-2 with an impressive down-the-line shot and intensify his pressure at 4-4 when Cobolli’s volley goes awry, mirroring their previous encounter in Bologna. The set will end 4-6 in favor of Bergs.
In the decisive third set, Cobolli will employ a series of powerful forehands, breaking Bergs at 2-1. He will finish strongly at 5-3 with another ace.
The final score is 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Cobolli’s journey combines his clay court background with an unwavering resolve, reminding Bergs that Italian tenacity thrives at home.
Top 3 Recommended Bets:
Cobolli -2.5 games @ 1.75 (odd is speculative)
Over 22.5 games @ 1.90 (odd is speculative)
Cobolli 2-1 sets @ 3.20 (odd is speculative)
Other predictions