Tim Henman told Flavio Cobolli to stop complaining as the Italian became frustrated with the Wimbledon crowd. The No. 9 seed was taking on British breakthrough star Arthur Fery on Wednesday afternoon and wasn’t getting things his own way.
Fery took the first set 6-4 and had just broken back for 2-2 in the second when Cobolli started to let his emotions boil over.
There were a number of distractions from the stands up to that point. The umpire told off the Centre Court crowd for popping their champagne bottles too loudly. And they then became excited during one of the longer rallies, which forced Cobolli to moan to the umpire after the point had concluded.
“There’s no reason for Cobolli to get annoyed,” Henman said on the BBC‘s coverage. “He can’t control it nor can the umpire.
“The umpire can ask every point but it’s the natural reaction of an enthusiastic crowd. The more Cobolli complains the more likely the crowd are going to continue to be vocal.”
Fery made his Centre Court debut in the fourth round against Grigor Dimitrov and edged a thrilling fifth-set tiebreak. Cobolli has never before featured on Wimbledon‘s main show court.
Fery was able to soak it all in on Monday night and he was also delighted to have many of his family and friends in attendance.
“Yeah, it was awesome. I had so many friends, so much family there, as well as all my team and people that I really trust in and enjoy spending time with,” he explained.
“Yeah, I mean, these matches are such roller coasters, as well. I’m always looking up. They’re communicating to me. We’re all in the match together.
“When I get over the line, and it’s the first time I’m on Centre Court, first time I’m trying to qualify for a quarter-final in a Slam, yeah, it’s great to share those moments with them.”