Danil Medvedev Advances to Quarterfinals at Italian Open Amidst Shocking Upset

In an exciting night at the Italian Open, Danil Medvedev easily defeated Thiago Tirante to reach the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Luciano Darderi stunned the crowd by overcoming Alexander Zverev after saving four match points. Darderi's victory marks a significant milestone in his career, as he advances to the quarterfinals for the first time. With the support of the crowd, he expressed his joy and determination. His next challenge will be against Rafael Jodar, a promising young talent. Read on for more details about these thrilling matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 11:14 IST

Medvedev Dominates in Round of 16

Rome [Italy], May 13: Russian tennis player Danil Medvedev secured his spot in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open on Tuesday evening.

Ranked ninth in the world, Medvedev showcased his skills by defeating Thiago Tirante with a decisive score of 6-3, 6-2 in their round of 16 encounter.

Darderi's Stunning Victory Over Zverev

In a surprising turn of events, Luciano Darderi triumphed over second-seed Alexander Zverev, saving four match points during the match.

After trailing 3-5 in the second set, Darderi managed to save those crucial match points in the tie-break and went on to win the final set convincingly, igniting celebrations in Rome.

This marks Darderi's first appearance in the quarterfinals of an ATP Masters 1000 event and his inaugural victory against a top-10 player.

Darderi Reflects on His Journey

“It was a very tough match,” Darderi expressed, as reported on the ATP's official website. “I wasn't feeling great physically at the start. When I was down 3-5 in the second set, I thought I was finished. However, I found a way to hold serve at 4-5, and the tie-break was intense for both of us. Playing here is challenging due to nerves, but it was a rewarding mental battle for me,” he added.

“The crowd played a significant role in my victory. You can't give up in this atmosphere. Their support was invaluable, and reaching the quarter-finals feels like a dream come true,” he concluded.

Next Challenge for Darderi

The 24-year-old Darderi has become the first player other than Jannik Sinner to defeat Zverev at a Masters 1000 event since last October in Shanghai. His next opponent will be Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old who is the first teenager to reach the quarter-finals in Rome since Novak Djokovic in 2007.