In a charged atmosphere at the Foro Italico, British tennis star Jack Draper, the world No. 5, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the Italian Open. The 23-year-old left-hander faced not only a talented opponent but also a passionate home crowd eager to see their compatriot triumph. Despite the pressure, Draper’s blend of power, composure, and mental fortitude propelled him into the third round, marking another milestone in his breakout 2025 season.
From the outset, Draper asserted his dominance on the clay. His aggressive baseline game overwhelmed Darderi in the first set, which he claimed in just 24 minutes. Breaking serve three times, Draper silenced the raucous crowd, who had arrived in droves to support the 23-year-old Italian, a Marrakech champion earlier in the year. “I think I came out really well,” Draper reflected post-match, acknowledging the challenge of the moment. “I think mentally I knew it was going to be a little bit difficult, and I’m glad about how I played in certain moments.” His 12 winners to Darderi’s one in the opening set underscored his relentless intensity.
The second set proved more contentious. Darderi, buoyed by the crowd’s fervent support, raised his game, engaging Draper in grueling rallies and earning six break points across three service games. The Grand Stand Arena pulsed with energy as fans chanted and cheered, willing their player to stage a comeback. Yet Draper, no stranger to hostile environments, held firm, saving all six break points with pinpoint serving and steely resolve. “My concentration slipped a little bit,” he admitted. “I started getting a bit flat. Then it was a dogfight. He picked up his energy, and the crowd got behind him, so it got a bit tight there.” His ability to stay composed under pressure was pivotal, as he turned the tables by breaking Darderi at 5-4 to seal the victory in 78 minutes.
Draper’s experience with challenging crowds isn’t new. Reflecting on similar encounters, he noted, “I had experience of it in Australia this year, playing [Thanasi] Kokkinakis and [Aleksandar] Vukic.” The Rome crowd, while intimidating, was a hurdle he was prepared to overcome. His mental resilience, honed through a season that includes a Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells and a Madrid Open final, shone through. “I knew it was going to be tough, especially after the past fortnight,” he said, referencing the grueling Madrid campaign. “I put a lot of energy into that, so coming here to different conditions, a different environment, I had to adapt quickly against a good player in a different atmosphere.”
This victory, Draper’s 20th of the season, strengthens his position as a top contender. His next challenge is Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva, who upset 32nd seed Sebastian Baez. As Draper eyes a deep run in Rome, his performance against Darderi showcased his evolution into a well-rounded player capable of thriving on any surface. “I think I needed a match here to feel like I was strong again,” he said, signaling his readiness for the battles ahead. With the French Open looming, Draper’s blend of power and poise makes him a formidable force, undaunted by any crowd or opponent.
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