The extreme temperatures in Australia are becoming more unbearable than ever. That much was clear during the first-round match between Luciano Darderi and Christian Garín, where both players battled not just each other, but also the scorching Melbourne heat.

Though the 22nd seed defeated Garín in straight sets, the 7-6(5) 7-5 7-6(3) score only hinted at the drama beneath. Midway through the third set, Darderi’s body began to rebel. He looked uneasy, showing signs of what journalist Giovanni Pelazzo described as “Cobolli-like” discomfort, referring to Flavio Cobolli who suffered stomach problems in his shock first round exit.

Still, Darderi kept pushing, summoning enough fight to earn a match point. But Garín refused to back down. He saved match point, broke back, and stretched the set into another tie-break, shifting the momentum his way. But when it mattered most, Darderi found his fire again.

He took command in the breaker and sealed the win with authority. The Italian did have one outburst though, a racket smash at 5-5, that showed just how tense it all felt.

As soon as the final point ended, Luciano Darderi sprinted to the net to meet Garín, gave a quick wave to the umpire, and dashed straight to the bathroom. Moments later, he returned to a roar from the crowd, signed autographs, and even handed his shattered racket to a lucky fan.

Later, he opened up about the tough afternoon. For Darderi, this match wasn’t just about skill, but also managing the heat. He said in his post-match interview:

“I was really nervous, from the second set onwards I started feeling stomach pain, maybe I ate something that didn’t agree with me. I didn’t take a gastroprotector before the match, I think that was the problem today, along with the heat.”

“I started getting cramps and my stomach hurt, I knew that if I went to the fourth set it would be very difficult to win this match, but luckily I managed to close it in three sets. I’m very happy with today’s win, my first in Australia and as a seeded player.”

The Italian is off to a great start. He kicked off his season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where he made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Marcos Giron, 1-6 7-5 6-4. Last year, he was slowly building up his momentum and ended the season on a high note. Giving him the confidence to aim higher in his career ahead.

Luciano Darderi opens up about his aspirations

In 2025, Darderi climbed to a career-best ranking of world No. 26, yet closed the season with five straight losses. Still, the Italian refuses to let that slump dull his drive. As 2026 begins, he’s stepping back onto the court brimming with belief and fresh ambition.

“My goal is to always progress. I hope to be among the top ten players in the world. Being part of the Top 10 always represents a great performance and a major achievement,” Darderi told Tuttosport in December.

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The past season was a real breakthrough for the 22-year-old. Luciano Darderi claimed three ATP 250 titles on clay, his favorite surface, shining in Marrakech, Bastad, and Umag. Those wins came against Tallon Griekspoor, Jesper de Jong, and Carlos Taberner, giving him the kind of confidence only trophies can bring.

Across the year, he posted around 29–27 or 37–26 in singles, dominating clay with a 21–8 record. Grand Slams brought mixed fortunes, third-round runs at Wimbledon and the US Open, but early exits in Melbourne and Paris. His Masters 1000 results were steady, highlighted by second-round appearances in Madrid and Rome.

“I work every day to achieve it, both in training and by participating in the various tournaments on the circuit. How important is it for the Italian movement to have so many high-level players?” he added.

“It is crucial, both in the short and long term. Italy is a nation that can aspire to ten years of absolute dominance. Tennis is experiencing a real boom in Italy and worldwide. Our sport and its iconic figures benefit from exceptional visibility.”

Now the No. 4 Italian, just behind Flavio Cobboli, Luciano Darderi heads into the Australian Open with Sebastian Baez up next in round two. Can the fiery Italian go on a deep run in Melbourne? Share your thoughts in the comments below!