Italian Qualifier Luciano Darderi Wins First ATP Tour Title in Cordoba
Italian qualifier Luciano Darderi captures his first ATP Tour title in the Cordoba Open final, defeating home player Facundo Bagnis.
21-year-old Darderi Surges to Victory in Cordoba
Italian qualifier Luciano Darderi secured his first ATP Tour title by winning the Cordoba Open final against Facundo Bagnis. The 21-year-old delivered an impressive performance, capitalizing on Bagnis' nervous and flat play. Darderi raced to a 6-1, 2-0 lead within just 34 minutes, leaving the Argentine fans in silence.
Bagnis, who was hoping to win his maiden title at the age of 33, struggled with his performance right from the start. He won only 12 of the first 47 points of the match, allowing Darderi to take control. In what was only the third all-qualifier final in ATP Tour history, Darderi took advantage of Bagnis' error-laced game and emerged as a 6-1, 6-4 winner.
"I feel really good, I can't believe I have won my first ATP title," expressed Darderi. "Last week I lost in the [second] round of a Challenger. To come through from qualifying to win the title with my family here, my dad and my girlfriend, it's so special. And to make a big move in the rankings."
Bagnis' Comeback Falls Short
Although the match seemed to be over early in the second set, Bagnis managed to reclaim a break and even led 4-3. However, fatigue appeared to play a factor as he ultimately lost the decisive break in a six-deuce penultimate game of the match. Bagnis, who has previously appeared in 30 ATP Challenger Tour finals but only one tour-level final, was unable to overcome Darderi's determined play.
Darderi, who had only one previous tour-level match win, is expected to make a significant jump in the rankings. Currently ranked No. 136, he is projected to surge to No. 76 in the upcoming Pepperstone ATP Rankings. This victory comes after his second-round loss in the ATP Challenger Tour event in Punta del Este, Uruguay, last week.
Born in Argentina but representing Italy, Darderi is coached by his father, Luciano.
