Australian Open: Darderi makes second round defeating Darderi
Luciano Darderi won against Cristian Garin 7-6 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (3) on Tuesday
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The No. 22 seed Luciano Darderi, 23, successfully navigated a high-tension opening hurdle on Tuesday, defeating Chile’s Cristian Garin, 29, in straight sets to reach the second round of the Australian Open.
In a baseline battle on 1573 Arena that lasted nearly three hours, the Italian displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran, securing a 7-6(5), 7-5, 7-6(3) victory. Despite the straight-sets scoreline, the match was decided by the narrowest of margins, with Darderi’s superior serving in the tiebreaks proving the difference against the world No. 80.
With this victory, Darderi secures his first-ever main draw win in Melbourne and maintains his momentum following a career-best season in 2025.
The Italian, who captured three clay-court titles last year, proved his hard-court credentials by out-grinding the former Wimbledon quarterfinalist in the crucial moments of each set. Darderi now advances to the round of 64, where he awaits the winner of the match between Daniel Elahi Galán and Alexandre Müller.
