By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Photo credit: WikiMedia
In a match that featured stellar shotmaking, unpredictable plot swings, espresso shots, multiple racquet restrings, and a smoke delay, Italy’s Luciano Darderi finds himself in his first ever ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.
The 18th-seeded Darderi booked his place in the final four in Rome after 2 am local time over 32nd-seeded teenager Rafael Jodar 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-0 to the thrill of the local fans.
The quarterfinal meeting between the pair was high stakes as both men were seeking their first-ever berth into an ATP 1000 semifinal.
What unfolded was pure drama, even by Italian standards.
Darderi, 24, who saved four match points in his previous match against Alexander Zverev, faced off against the rising 19-year-old Jodar of Spain, who just reached the quarterfinals in Madrid a few weeks ago.
“I think it’s the best win of my career because of the crowd and everything here in Rome. First time in the semi-finals, it’s a dream to play here,” Darderi said to ATP.com. “Rafa is an amazing player. He’s so young, just 19 years old. I had my chance in the second set, then he played just amazing. But I kept fighting and I am very happy about that.”
Darderi, feeling the emotions of the opportunity before him, sent multiple racquets back to be restrung and also took several espresso shots during changeovers.
In the first set, Darderi jumped out to a a 3-1 lead before Jodar found his groove and eventually led 6-5.
But things turned surreal after smoke from fireworks from the Coppa Italia football final, held at the Stadio Olimpico nearby, forced a twenty-minute delay in the match.
When play resumed, the first set eventually ended up in a tiebreak. Jodar jumped out to a 5-2 lead. Yet Darderi battled his way back to take the first set 7-6(5).
Darderi, spurred on by the local crowd, surged to a 3-0 lead in the second set and looked poised to wrap things up quickly when, in the next game, he held break points for a possible 4-0 advantage.
Jodar, however, battled back and soon got back on serve later for 4-5. The Spanish teenager saved two match points and then held for 5-all.
Jodar, who then broke the Italian’s serve, eventually took the second set after serving it out to love.
The pivotal game came early in the final set. Darderi held his opening service game, and then after 13 minutes, broke Jodar to assume a 2-0 lead.
From there, Jodar endured physical issues that allowed Darderi to assume control.
Darderi eventually secured the hard fought three set win in a match that ended just after 2 am local time.
Next up for Darderi is No. 23 seed Casper Ruud.