They say practice makes perfect and Luciano Darderi is an excellent example.
Darderi has entered the 2026 Australian Open as the No.22 seed and faces arguably the toughest assignment of his career tomorrow, going up against two-time and defending champion Jannik Sinner in what will be an all-Italian affair.
The 23-year-old has advanced to the fourth round of a Grand Slam here for the first time, after downing No.15 seed Karen Khachanov in what was a landmark day for Italian tennis yesterday, with Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti also advancing.
Darderi overcame Khachanov 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-4 in what was a tough day for him and his next opponent, with both overcoming cramps, the heat and spirited competition at Melbourne Park.
“It's my first time here in the second week. Very excited to play the next round,” Darderi said post-match.
“Today was a really difficult match. Khachanov has a lot of experience on this type of surface. A lot of times playing third round. For me, this is the first time. I managed really good the nerves in the important moments. That was the key today.
“I stay focused all match,” he continued. “I lost my mind in the second set. But I came back really strong in the beginning of the third set.”
Sinner is looking to become only the second man, behind Novak Djokovic, to win three consecutive Australian Open titles, and his pedigree and experience greatly aided his comeback against American Eliot Spizzirri yesterday.
Darderi, conversely, is now in unchartered territory as he prepares to face one of the biggest names in the sport.
Darderi placed an emphasis on recovery today, with a short practice session and trip to the beach on the agenda.
He didn’t progress past the first round of the men’s singles draw at AO last year, however, an ATP Tour title victory at the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech three months later gave the towering Argentine-born player the confidence he needed to deliver.
He went on to claim another two ATP titles at the Swedish Open and Croatia Open Umag in 2025, and has clearly carried the momentum winning generates into the new year.
“I think in Marrakech, when I won (my) second (ATP) title, but the first one of last year, something in me said, ‘Why not again?’ I was playing amazing tennis and working hard every day,” he reflected.
Darderi is confident on clay but with a view to his ranking worked purposefully on his hard-court game during the pre-season, when he also managed a foot injury.
“Obviously to be top 10 or top 15 you have to win on hard courts, so this year we practised a lot on hard courts, played more matches,” he continued.
“When you do the pre-season on hard courts, it’s different. This one is my second one completely on hard courts. I think one of the keys was that. More matches on hard court, taking the confidence, because the confidence so much important on these type of courts.”
Darderi and Sinner have practised together once at Melbourne Park ahead of their clash, with both meticulous in every aspect of their preparations.
“Jannik is one of the tough players in the world right now and especially here. We try to enjoy with my team. I have to stay focused on me and trying to play my best tennis,” Darderi said.