Darderi Sees Off Jodar to Book Spot in Rome Open Semi-Finals
Hope
Luciano Darderi produced another fighting performance at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia after defeating rising Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-0 to reach the semi-finals in Rome.
The quarter-final lasted three hours and eight minutes and finished at 2:02 a.m. on Wednesday morning following a brief smoke interruption during the opening set. Darderi will now face Casper Ruud for a place in the final.
The 24-year-old became the eighth Italian player in the Open Era to reach the Rome semi-finals. His latest victory followed another dramatic comeback in the previous round where he reportedly saved four match points against Alexander Zverev.
Speaking after the match, Darderi described the victory as the biggest of his career.
“I think it’s the best win of my career because of the crowd and everything here in Rome,” Darderi said. “First time in the semi-finals, it’s a dream to play here.”
Darderi made a strong start to the contest and opened a 3-1 lead before Jodar recovered to push the Italian deep in the first set.
The match was temporarily halted due to smoke drifting into the venue from the nearby Coppa Italia football final at the Stadio Olimpico.
After play resumed, Darderi raised his level to take the first set tie-break. However, Jodar responded strongly in the second set, recovering from 0-3 down and saving two match points before forcing a deciding set.
The Italian regained control in the final set despite showing signs of fatigue late in the match. According to ATP statistics, Darderi converted three of nine break points in the decider to seal one of the biggest wins of his career.
Jodar continued to impress despite the defeat.
The 19-year-old was competing in his second ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final after also reaching the last eight in Madrid earlier this season.
