Darderi is already thinking about Jódar: "It will be a tough match, but I will have the support of the crowd"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 12 May 2026 | 22.14

Darderi is already thinking about Jódar: "It will be a tough match, but I will have the support of the crowd." Photo: Gettyimages.

Streaming ATP Rome live tennis

🎾 Rafael Jodar vs Luciano Darderi

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Luciano Darderi doesn't have the word 'surrender' in his dictionary. Not the four match points against him, nor facing the world number three Alexander Zverev (1-6, 7-6(11), 6-0), have prevented the Italo-Argentinian from continuing his dream of winning the ATP Rome 2026. Nevertheless, he has reasons to do so, as in the quarterfinals he will face none other than Rafa Jódar.

Regarding what awaits him tomorrow against the Spaniard, as well as his historic comeback against Zverev, Darderi spoke in the press conference following his victory, where he also confessed his dream of lifting the title next Sunday. All this, in statements collected by Ubitennis.

He can't remember all the match points he saved against Zverev

"How many match points did I save? Four, really? I was so focused that I swear I don't remember. I think it was one or two. I had always played at night and went to bed at three or four. Today was the first match I played during the day. The conditions were different. There is a lot of pressure playing here. I wanted to show that I could play a match like this. Luckily, I managed to win because I could have easily lost. Nevertheless, the level is there. Despite losing the second set, I knew I was playing well. I am proud to have kept fighting in the toughest moments."

Luciano Darderi is already preparing for his duel against Rafa Jódar in the quarterfinals of the ATP Rome 2026

"Obviously, physical recovery is important. Massages, rest, and good nutrition. We will play at night on the Central Court, which is different from the one I just played on. Jódar is a great player, as he has shown in the last four tournaments. I will try to give my all, as I have done so far. We will also analyze it from a tactical point of view. It will undoubtedly be a tough match, but I will have the support of the crowd and will try to make the most of it."

A match he will never forget

"Undoubtedly, it has been the most important match of my career. Against Zverev in Rome, the first match of the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000. It is the most beautiful and exciting match. Everything started with 5-4 in the second set when he served to win the match with new balls. At that moment, he, who had been serving at 220 km/h until then, made a couple of double faults that allowed me back into the match."

"I seized the opportunity. At 5-5 0-30, the match changed, in my opinion. I thought that if I had won that game, the match could have turned. In the tie-break, I was very tense. In the third set, I managed to find my best tennis."

Gives tactical keys to the comeback

"The technical key of this match was the fight. Jokes aside, I insisted on his forehand. Then I realized I had to keep him moving and managed to finish many more points on the attack, as well as crucial volleys. That's when he started to lose composure. Because then I also started drop shots. And my serve, from the middle of the second set, started working better."

"At the beginning, I was shaky in the first games, my head was spinning. Getting out of that situation was not easy. In those moments, I tried to breathe and stay calm. But I wanted to show that I had the level to be here."

His dream is to win in Rome

"This match means a lot to me. Everyone knows I was born in Argentina. If I hadn't reached the top 30, the top 20, no one would have noticed. The dream of the Davis Cup is still there, although I haven't achieved it yet because there are so many players. It's a very good time for Italian tennis. I am happy to be among the top 20. Jannik, Lorenzo, and Flavio are very strong. I have been saying for years that I want to win Rome. It's my dream and it's still alive. I just beat Sascha, who won here two years ago."

Regrets the court conditions, although he managed to adapt

"It wasn't easy today. It was windy and controlling the ball was difficult. In the end, however, the conditions were favorable for both. The court was not at its best at times; there were some unfortunate bounces. However, I adapted to the situation," says a Luciano Darderi who seeks to prolong his incredible week in Rome, although he will have to face a tough Rafa Jódar.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Darderi ya piensa en Jódar: "Será un partido difícil, pero contaré con el apoyo de la grada"