It’s not surprising that Luciano Darderi was in beast mode during the Golden Swing. The world number 21 is 20-2 in his last 22 clay court matches – a hot streak that includes two ATP titles and another trophy on the Challenger circuit.
To say he shows no signs of slowing down would be a gross understatement. The Italian started his month in South America with a second place in Buenos Aires (lost to Francisco Cerundolo) and now he wants to go one step further at the Chile Open. Darderi secured a spot in another final with victories over Mariano Navone, Andrea Pellegrino and Sebastian Baez.
The 24-year-old probably thought he would have a rematch against Cerundolo on Sunday, but the Argentine was knocked out in the semi-finals by Yannick Hanfmann. On his way to his third ATP final and first since 2020, Hanfmann also ousted Dusan Lajovic, Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Vilius Gaubas.
Even though Darderi is a big favourite, the pressure is on Hanfmann as the 34-year-old German has never won an ATP title. Darderi is the much better player – especially on clay – and has much more experience on the business side of tournaments. Moreover, he is 2-0 lifetime in head-to-head series and 4-0 in aggregate sets.
Count on Santiago’s second seed to roll for the trophy.
Choice: Darderi in 2
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