Luciano Darderi Triumphs at Croatia Open: A Rollercoaster Victory
Italian tennis sensation Luciano Darderi celebrated his third title of the season at the Croatia Open, showcasing an impressive performance before facing a sudden scare. Darderi dominated the match against Carlos Taberner, winning 6-3, 6-3, just a week after his ATP 250 victory in Bastad. The match, however, took a dramatic turn as Darderi collapsed to the ground in pain after securing the final point, prompting an outpouring of concern from both fans and players.
With this win, Darderi, currently ranked No. 35 in the world, has now climbed 11 spots in the ATP rankings and boasts a remarkable nine-match winning streak. Over the course of the 86-minute match, he showcased his skill with 20 winners compared to just 17 unforced errors, taking control early on with a stunning forehand winner at 3-2 in the opening set.
While Taberner made headlines by defeating top seed Francisco Cerundolo to reach his first tour-level final, he was ultimately no match for Darderi’s prowess on the court. Darderi has an impressive 19-1 record on clay against players ranked outside the top 30 in 2025. However, the match ended with a tense moment as he appeared to roll his ankle while chasing down a match point.
Despite the pain, Darderi managed to execute a spectacular shot down the line, forcing Taberner into a net return to clinch the victory. Celebrating his win, Darderi collapsed in relief but quickly signaled for medical assistance as he struggled to get back on his feet. In a touching display of sportsmanship, Taberner rushed over to offer his support, even offering to carry Darderi to his seat, creating an unexpected yet heartwarming moment between the two competitors.
The trophy ceremony was understandably delayed as Darderi received treatment on the court. Once he was able to gather himself, he expressed his gratitude for the support he has received. “This is something special for me,” Darderi remarked. “The last month has been crazy. I want to thank my dad and my entire team. Without them, this would not have been possible. I’m thrilled about this title.”
Reflecting on his recent success, he added, “If you had told me two weeks ago that this would happen, I would have said it was impossible. I’m very pleased with my performance; my tennis has been incredible this week. Now, I will focus on resting and aim to continue this momentum on hard courts next week.”
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