Luciano Darderi defeated Rafa Jodar 7-6, 5-7, 6-0 in a late-night match to reach the semifinals of the Italian Open.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric from start to finish, with the crowd fully behind Darderi as the match stretched past 2 am in Rome.
Darderi completely took over in the third set, dominating 6-0 to seal the biggest win of his career and become just the eighth Italian man to reach the Rome semifinals.
After the match, Darderi admitted the moment felt special.
“I think it’s the best win of my career because of the crowd and everything here in Rome,” he said.
“First time in the semifinals, it’s a dream to play here.”
He also praised Jodar after the battle.
“Rafa is an amazing player. He’s so young, just 19 years old. I had my chances in the second set but then he played just amazing. I just kept fighting and I’m very happy about that.”
For Darderi, the dream run in Rome continues.
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