Jack Draper advanced to the third round of the Italian Open in Rome by defeating Luciano Darderi in straight sets.
Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Draper overcame the Italian player with a score of 6-1, 6-4.
Draper showed impressive form early on, securing the first set in just 25 minutes and dropping only one game.
He started the second set strongly as well, applying pressure to Darderi`s serve and repeatedly forcing deuce from advantage in the second game. Darderi managed to fight off this pressure, gaining confidence from holding his serve.
The crowd began to actively support Darderi, who showed renewed energy after winning points against Draper`s serve. A spectacular forehand down the line in the third game of the second set further energized the home spectators.
Darderi intensified the challenge in the seventh game of the second set, creating three break point opportunities. However, Draper responded effectively each time, successfully navigating through the difficult game.
The Italian continued to make the second set competitive, battling back into the match and showing increased confidence in baseline rallies.
In the ninth game of the second set, Draper made an error that presented a break point chance, but he managed to save it with a full-stretch volley. He then finished the game with an ace.
Serving for the match, Draper earned three match points. Darderi saved the first, but ultimately double-faulted on the next point, giving Draper the victory.
“It was a dogfight [in the second set]. I think my concentration slipped a little bit, I started getting a little bit flat,” Draper commented after the match, acknowledging the challenge. He added that “Winning lots of matches this year helps you to feel comfortable in those moments,” referring to his improved form, which recently saw him reach the final of the Madrid Open.
In other news from the Italian Open, Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return after a brief injury layoff, defeating Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 on Friday.
The third-ranked Alcaraz had withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to a leg issue. Against Lajovic, he wore a long brace on his right leg.
“The body felt great,” Alcaraz stated. “I just moved well. I made a few good sprints today without any pain. It was a test for me so I think I passed the test today.”
The tournament in Rome also marks the return of top-ranked Jannik Sinner. Sinner is scheduled to play his opening match against Mariano Navone on Saturday. Both Sinner and Alcaraz are placed in opposite halves of the draw.
Novak Djokovic had withdrawn from the Italian Open but will compete in the Geneva Open later this month, accepting a wild card entry to prepare for the upcoming French Open. Djokovic, who will turn 38 before the French Open begins, is seeking his first tournament win since the Olympic Games last summer.
