How Did Darderi Upset Top Seed Cerundolo to Reach the Nordea Open Final?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling showdown at the Nordea Open, Luciano Darderi achieved his first Top-20 victory by defeating Francisco Cerundolo. This remarkable match set the stage for an exciting final against Jesper de Jong. Discover the highlights of Darderi's journey and his quest for the title in this gripping narrative.
Key Takeaways
- Darderi's determination led to a major upset against the top seed.
- Significant comeback from a 2-4 deficit in the final set.
- First Top-20 victory for Darderi enhances his career profile.
- Exciting final matchup against Jesper de Jong awaits.
- Darderi's growth in ATP rankings shows his potential.
Bastad (Sweden), July 19 (NationPress) - In a remarkable display of tenacity, Luciano Darderi from Italy made a stunning upset by defeating the top seed, Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina, securing his first victory over a Top-20 player and earning a place in the final of the Nordea Open on Saturday. Darderi triumphed with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3) under the sweltering conditions at the Swedish ATP 250 event, marking his third appearance in a tour-level championship match. He came back from a 2-4 deficit in the final set in a match that featured 11 service breaks, as reported by Infosys ATP Stats, setting up a decisive clash against Jesper de Jong on Sunday.
“Facing Francisco is always challenging. Today, I played exceptionally well, but he is one of the best in the game,” Darderi expressed during his on-court interview. “Competing against a friend adds another layer of difficulty, yet I managed to perform greatly. I fought through to the final point, and I believe that was the key to my success today.”
Prior to this match, Darderi had only lost six games in his previous two matches in Bastad against Elias Ymer and Sebastian Baez. However, defeating World No. 20 Cerundolo was not without its challenges, even after a strong start in the first set.
Although Darderi was broken twice in the second and then again early in the third set, he regained his focus to secure a comeback victory, which stands as his most significant win by ATP Ranking to date.
In a match lasting two hours and 34 minutes, Darderi not only avenged earlier defeats to Cerundolo in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro in 2025 but also leveled their Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 2-2. He enters the final on Sunday with an impressive 2-0 record in ATP Tour finals following his victories in Cordoba last year and Marrakech in April.
Darderi's opponent in the final, De Jong, previously defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli with scores of 6-3, 7-6(3). This will be De Jong's first ATP Tour title match, and his journey in Bastad has elevated him 23 positions to No. 83 in the ATP Live Rankings.
“I’ve outperformed my coach, who reached the semi-finals here in 2013, so this moment is unforgettable for me,” De Jong joked about his coach, Thiemo de Bakker, in his on-court interview. “I’m thrilled to reach my first ATP final. I felt a bit nervous at 6-5, but in the end, everything turned out wonderfully.”
Point of View
It's inspiring to witness the rise of young talents like Luciano Darderi in the world of tennis. His recent victory over a top-seeded player not only showcases his potential but also adds an exciting dimension to the competitive landscape of the sport. Stories like these remind us of the unpredictability and thrills that sports bring to fans.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Luciano Darderi defeat in the Nordea Open semifinals?
Luciano Darderi defeated top seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina in the semifinals.
What was the final score of Darderi's match against Cerundolo?
Darderi won with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3).
Who will Darderi face in the final match?
Darderi will compete against Jesper de Jong in the finals.
How many ATP finals has Darderi participated in?
This will be Darderi's third appearance in an ATP Tour final.
What is Darderi's current ATP final record?
Darderi has a record of 2-0 in ATP Tour finals.
