Darderi breaks new ground in Rome as football fans celebrations cause suspension in play

Italians are passionate over their footy, and there was no surprise that chaos erupted after their talisman Lautaro Martinez confirmed a 2-0 victory over Lazio to win the trophy, sending the Inter support into delirium.

Fireworks were set off by rowdy fans that caused a huge scene with a party atmosphere engulfing that part of Rome. Neighbouring it, the tennis facilities saw first hand how crazy the scenes were, although it had its consequences.

A large cloud of fog descended on the courts. This was at a very bad time with Darderi and Jodar playing out their quarter-final. This led to an electronic failure with the automatic line calling no longer functioning. Visibility also heavily hampered the players who were forced to be patient and wait for it to clear.

Darderi not happy with conditions, but comes through for the win

The infringements began at the end of the first set, causing for play to be stopped. Darderi vented his frustrations to the umpire before heading off court. 20 minutes later play resumed and he secured the first set via a tiebreak.

Things did not go to plan in the second set. After taking a 3-0 lead, Jodar fought back and even saved a brace of match points enroute to winning three games on the spin which secured the set. However, Darderi was a man on a mission, The 24-year-old took his sixth break point in the second game before a more clinical display in the rest of the third set ended any hope Jodar had of progressing. He bageled the 19-year-old and broke new ground in Rome.

“I think it’s the best win of my career because of the crowd and everything here in Rome,” Darderi said. “First time in the semi-finals, it’s a dream to play here. It was difficult because we started around 11, the court was very slow. Rafa is an amazing player. He’s so young, just 19 years old. I had my chances in the second set but then he played just amazing. I just kept fighting and I’m very happy about that.”

The tie could have ended sooner if he converted one of those match points in the second set. “It was really a battle. After the second set, I never thought I’d win, but I just tried to take it game by game, ball by ball. I pushed a little bit more in the third set, and physically I won it there. We played really late, it was difficult at a certain point, but I’m happy. The crowd helped me a lot today. It’s really a dream to be in the semifinal.”

Last year’s Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud awaits him in the semi-final. There is still men’s quarter-final action set to take place on the other side of the draw. World number one Jannik Sinner will clash against Andrey Rublev, with fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev facing Martin Landaluce.