Luciano Darderi Issues Apology After Rome Masters Semifinal Incident

Luciano Darderi has apologized for overlooking a child mascot during his semifinal match at the Rome Masters against Casper Ruud. Despite a strong tournament run, Darderi faced criticism for the incident. He expressed his regret on social media, emphasizing his respect for fans and the sport. In the semifinal, he suffered a heavy defeat, losing 6-1, 6-1, but remained proud of his overall performance, dedicating his efforts to his family. The final will see Ruud face Jannik Sinner, who advanced after a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 23:50 IST

Darderi's Apology for Ignoring Mascot

Luciano Darderi has expressed regret for overlooking the child mascot during his semifinal match against Casper Ruud at the Rome Masters. This tournament marked Darderi's first appearance in a Masters semifinal, but he faced significant criticism for not acknowledging the mascot who accompanied him onto the court. He explained that he was deeply focused and tense in that moment. Darderi reassured fans that he values his connections with them.

In his Instagram story, he stated, “I’m truly sorry for not shaking Camilla’s hand; it was an unintentional gesture that occurred during a moment of great focus and tension on a big stage. Those who truly know me understand how much I value my personal connections with fans and my respect for everyone involved in this sport.”

A Disappointing Semifinal Performance

Darderi had a remarkable journey in the Rome Masters, defeating notable players such as Tommy Paul, Alexander Zverev, and Rafael Jodar. However, his semifinal match was disappointing, as he lost to Ruud with a score of 6-1, 6-1. After the match, Darderi admitted he felt exhausted and lacked the energy to compete effectively. Despite this, he expressed pride in his overall performance throughout the tournament, dedicating his efforts to his grandmother and father. He remarked, “Today I was very tired, and I apologize to the people who came. I had no fuel today, and the rain delay didn’t help. The short recovery time is part of tennis.”

He continued, “I fought in every match and tried to give my best; it has been a dream week, and I want to thank those who have supported me. This has been the most beautiful tournament of my life. After this event, I feel more confident in myself. I have achieved some beautiful victories, and my level of tennis has been very high. The match against Jódar will remain a cherished memory. I dedicate this week to my grandmother, who always dreamed of me becoming a tennis player, and to my father, as I owe my success to him.”

Upcoming Final: Ruud vs. Sinner

In the final, Ruud will compete against Jannik Sinner for the championship title at the Rome Masters. Sinner secured his place in the final after a challenging semifinal match against Daniil Medvedev.