Cobolli Cleared for Paris After Tests Reveal Only Minor Muscle Strain

Flavio Cobolli has delivered a positive update on the injury that forced his tearful retirement in Vienna, revealing that medical tests have shown only a minor muscle strain and confirming his intention to compete at next week's Paris Masters. The 24-year-old Italian retired in tears while trailing compatriot Matteo Berrettini 5-2 in the opening set of their second-round match at the Vienna Open on Thursday. Writing on Instagram on Friday, Cobolli said he had undergone medical tests which revealed the minor strain, adding that he will travel to Paris on Saturday and do everything possible to play in the tournament. The news is a major relief for a player bidding to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time, with the Paris Masters representing the final opportunity for players to earn qualification points. Cobolli currently sits sixth in the Race to Turin, firmly in contention for one of the four remaining singles berths at the season-ending event. He is slated to face either Arthur Gea or a qualifier in his second-round match in Paris, having received a bye. His rivals will be watching closely: with Jannik Sinner out of the Turin race through injury, several players remain in the hunt, and Cobolli's fitness could shape how the final qualification places are decided when the Paris Masters begins on Monday, November 2.