Luciano Darderi is set for one of the moments of his career on Friday afternoon. The winner of three ATP titles in 2025 will embrace the third-round US Open clash against Carlos Alcaraz at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Italian has known the Spaniard since their junior days, recalling how the El Palmar native was already showing remarkable potential at 14 or 15. Darderi has watched Alcaraz's rise with admiration and pride.
The feelings increased when Carlos texted Luciano following the Italian's first ATP title in Cordoba last year. That gesture left a mark on the Italian, who admires how the five-time Major champion has remained grounded despite his incredible and rapidsuccess.
The two have traveled different paths in recent years, with Luciano requiring more time to enter the top-50 and join his junior rival at the top-tier events. Their reunion on the sport's biggest stage feels like a full-circle moment.
For Darderi, stepping onto Arthur Ashe Stadium to face one of the game's brightest stars is both a challenge and an opportunity, and the Italian is eager to embrace it.
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World no. 34 has nothing to lose against the former champion, who should feel the pressure. The Italian hopes to rise to the occasion and play freely while enjoying every moment.
Alcaraz brings more experience and accomplishments. However, Darderi enters the duel determined to savor the experience and, if possible, pull off a memorable upset.
"We have known each other since we were 14 or 15. That was the last time we played. Carlos just started training with Juan Carlos Ferrero, and I remember he was already a fantastic player.
He started playing even more amazingly at 16 and never looked back. He is a good guy, and he deserves everything he has achieved. I like how he plays, and competing against him will be amazing.
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When I won my first ATP title, he texted me, which is a gesture I appreciate. We had lost contact a bit because he had raised his level so much, and we played different tournaments.
That's why I was happy when he acknowledged my first ATP title. He is a fantastic guy who did not change when he became the world's best player. I will try to play my best as I have nothing to lose against Carlos.
The pressure is on him. I will try to play at my best, enjoy and beat him. He has more experience, but I will try to cause an upset," Luciano Darderi said.
