US Open: Cobolli and Darderi play, Swiatek, Gauff and Zverev in action later
Listen to the story
The US Open tennis tournament continues in New York, with several Italian and international stars in action.
Two Italian players, Flavio Cobolli and Luciano Darderi, are competing today. Cobolli plays first, followed by Darderi.
Later in the evening, attention turns to two of the biggest names in women's tennis: Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, both scheduled to play their matches.
During the night session, German player Alexander Zverev takes to the court for his match.
Cobolli has become a fan favourite thanks to his emotional style of play, which has been nicknamed the 'Cobollismo' by Italian media.
This nickname refers to his loud reactions, including shouting, strong words, and blowing kisses toward the cameras during matches.
His energetic behaviour has won over many tifosi at the US Open, who enjoy his passionate approach to the game.
The tournament features a packed daily schedule, with matches taking place throughout the day and into the night.
Fans can follow live coverage and updated results for all the Italian players competing in New York.
The mix of rising stars like Cobolli and established champions like Swiatek and Zverev is drawing strong interest from tennis fans worldwide.
Vocabulary10 words
- US Open
- a major tennis tournament played in New York
- Cobolli
- an Italian tennis player known for his emotional style
- Darderi
- another Italian tennis player at the tournament
- Swiatek
- a leading female tennis player
- Gauff
- a leading female tennis player
- Zverev
- a top male tennis player from Germany
- Cobollismo
- a nickname for Cobolli's exciting, emotional playing style
- reactions
- the things someone does or shows after something happens
- tifosi
- an Italian word meaning fans or supporters
- schedule
- the planned order and time of events
Quiz
Answer key
1. Cobolli and Darderi 2. Cobolli's emotional, passionate playing style 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The _____ tennis tournament continues in New York, with several Italian and international stars in action.
Two Italian players, Flavio _____ and Luciano Darderi, are competing today.
Later in the evening, attention turns to two of the biggest names in women's tennis: Iga _____ and Coco Gauff.
During the night session, German player Alexander _____ takes to the court for his match.
Cobolli has become a fan favourite thanks to his emotional style of play, which has been nicknamed the '_____' by Italian media.
This nickname refers to his loud _____, including shouting, strong words, and blowing kisses toward the cameras.
His energetic behaviour has won over many _____ at the US Open.
The tournament features a packed daily _____, with matches taking place throughout the day and into the night.
Fans can follow live coverage and updated _____ for all the Italian players competing in New York.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fans respond so strongly to emotional players like Cobolli?
- Do you enjoy watching players who show a lot of emotion on court? Why or why not?
- What makes a tennis player a 'fan favourite' in your opinion?
- How important is personality, compared to skill, in making a sports star popular?