Darderi, Cobolli Capture ATP Titles; Gasquet Rolls in Monte-Carlo
Italian tennis made a loud statement this weekend on the ATP Tour, with Luciano Darderi and Flavio Cobolli both securing championships on clay, while veteran Richard Gasquet kicked off his Monte-Carlo Masters campaign with a hard-fought win.
Grand Prix Hassan II: Darderi Outlasts Top Seed in Marrakech
In Marrakech, Morocco, it was Luciano Darderi who emerged victorious, defeating top-seeded Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) in a tense battle that hinged on just a few key points.
- Darderi, the 7th seed, earned his second career ATP title following his February triumph in Cordoba, Argentina.
- He overcame 10 aces from Griekspoor and posted nearly identical numbers to his opponent in service games, with each breaking serve just once.
- Darderi committed 27 unforced errors, slightly cleaner than Griekspoor’s 30.
Darderi’s composure in both tiebreaks proved decisive as he continues to rise through the ATP rankings.
Tiriac Open: Cobolli Wins First Career Title in Bucharest
Flavio Cobolli etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Italian to win the Bucharest event, beating top-seeded Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the Tiriac Open.
- It was a breakthrough moment for Cobolli, who entered the tournament on an eight-match losing streak.
- Despite struggling to close, needing seven match points, Cobolli held off a late push from Baez to finally lift the trophy.
- Cobolli broke Baez’s serve four times and dominated on first serve points (76% to 53%).
Baez, a clay specialist, couldn’t crack Cobolli’s rhythm despite a valiant second-set push.
Monte-Carlo Masters: Gasquet Turns Back Time
At the Monte-Carlo Masters, French veteran Richard Gasquet delivered a vintage performance to oust Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the opening round.
- Gasquet, now ranked No. 148, was steady under pressure, converting 5 of 10 break points while committing just 28 unforced errors.
- Arnaldi struggled with consistency, racking up 53 unforced errors, ultimately dooming his chances.
Also advancing in Monaco:
- Valentin Vacherot thrilled the home crowd with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff.
- Jordan Thompson continued his solid clay form, defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-3.
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