Italian Open 2024: Alexander Zverev vs Luciano Darderi preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming

Published at :May 12, 2024 at 12:26 AM

Modified at :May 12, 2024 at 12:27 AM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Alexander Zverev is a former champion at the Foro Italico.

2017 Italian Open Champion Alexander Zverev is set to face the unseeded Luciano Darderi in the Round of 32 of the Italian Open 2024 ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome. The German got off to a good start in the Italian Open beating Aleksander Vukic in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-0, 6-4 making light work of his opponent.

It was a refreshing start having suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Francisco Cerundolo in the third round of the Madrid Open. The 27-year-old will take on Luciano Darderi in the second round at Foro Italico, Rome. The hometown boy has used the conditions to his perfection winning two games to progress to the clash against Zverev.

While it was a hard-fought win against Denis Shapovalov in his first outing, Darderi ousted a seeded player in his next game, beating Mariano Navone in straight sets. The 22-year-old Italian will face his toughest challenge yet in the Italian Open as he takes on a former champion who relishes playing on the specks of dirt of clay courts during this time of the year.

Alexander Zverev vs Luciano Darderi match details

Date: May 12, Sunday

Time: 4:30 PM IST (Tentative)

Venue: Foro Italico, Rome

Alexander Zverev vs Luciano Darderi preview

Playing in the third round of the Italian Open for the sixth time in his career, Alexander Zverev has fond memories of the tournament. It was evident in the way his confidence was on display in the second round as he smashed 20 winners. He never allowed the opponent to settle in and find his feet as he ran past him winning the set 6-0.

His aggressiveness in the first set should have boosted his confidence and will look to work on it as he progresses into the tournament. The German will have an equally competitive opponent in the form of Luciano Darderi. The 22-year-old has been at the top of his game having achieved the best ranking of his career as he stands at 54 in the ATP ranking list.

Only in his second year in the circuit, the Italian has created waves by challenging some of the big names in the rooster and even beating some of the highest-ranked players. Darderi would look at this game as an opportunity to beat another top player and it would certainly be a dream come true if he can get past one of the modern-day favourites of clay courts, Alexander Zverev.

Head-to-head records

Matches: 0

Alexander Zverev: 0

Luciano Darderi: 0

The duo will face each other for the first time on the ATP Tour.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Alexander Zverev vs Luciano Darderi, Italian Open 2024, third-round match in India?

The third-round match of the 2024 Italian Open between Alexander Zverev and Luciano Darderi will be streamed on SonyLiv and fans can also follow their live telecast on Sony Sports Network. Moreover, fans can also enjoy the match on Tennis TV, which is a premium streaming service.

Prediction

Alexander Zverev loves playing on clay courts and has his eyes set on the French Open title having reached the semifinals of the Roland Garros in the last three years. Nothing seems to be a better preparation than winning the title here in Rome. Zverev still faces the wrath of losing the semis to Nadal in the 2022 French Open.

With such clear intentions, the 27-year-old will be the favourite going into the game. Zverev’s challenger is high on confidence as he has the backing of his home crowd. Ever since the draw was announced, many were looking forward to the contest. Hence Zverev should be ready to face not only Darderi but also the Italian crowd in Rome.

More than the crowd, Darderi will rely on playing the best tennis against the German like he has done this year. 2024 has been a lucky year for the 22-year-old Italian, as he won his first ATP title this year. While he will be looking to rank up a few more wins this year, this game might be out of reach for Darderi.

Result: Alexander Zverev to win in straight sets.

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