Who Is Luciano Darderi? The Surprise Package All Set To Face Jannik Sinner

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 07:30 IST

Luciano Darderi faces Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open after a strong run, marking his first fourth-round appearance in a Grand Slam.

Luciano Darderi will take on Jannik Sinner in the fourth round (Picture credit: AP)

AON Open Challenger winner Luciano Darderi is all set to take on defending champion and compatriot Jannik Sinner in a fourth-round encounter at the Australian Open on Monday afternoon and although the latter is a firm favourite, one would be looking forward to Darderi’s performance.

Darderi opened his campaign with a straight-sets victory over Cristian Garin before easing past Sebastian Baez, again without dropping a set. In the third round, the Italian produced his biggest statement yet, knocking out 15th seed Karen Khachanov in four sets to reach the fourth round of a Major for the first time in his career.

Up next in Melbourne, Darderi faces a daunting challenge against two-time defending Australian Open champion Sinner on Monday. For those keen to know more about Darderi, his roots, rise and achievements on the professional circuit till now, here is a closer look.

Darderi has climbed to a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 24, achieved on January 5 and owns a best doubles ranking of No. 104, reached on August 8, 2022.

Darderi is Italy’s fourth-highest-ranked singles player.

Luciano was born in Villa Gesell, Argentina, to former professional tennis player Gino Darderi. He first held a racket at the age of two and started formal training at five.

When Luciano was 10, his family relocated to Italy, where, with the backing of the Italian Tennis Federation, he trained in Arezzo and Rome. Tennis runs in the family; his younger brother, Vito Antonio, born in 2008, is also a player and was crowned Italian under-12 champion.

Luciano enjoyed a strong spell on the ITF junior circuit, compiling a brilliant 62–25 win-loss record in singles. In February 2020, he added a major milestone by winning the doubles title at the prestigious Banana Bowl alongside local player Gustavo Heide.

Luciano claimed his maiden ATP Challenger title in 2021 at the Buenos Aires Challenger, lifting the doubles trophy alongside Juan Bautista Torres.

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