Jannik Sinner criticises Italian Open for Luciano Darderi decision, ‘I am not a big fan’

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Jannik Sinner is once again spearheading an impressive campaign in his home country, as one of two Italians remaining in the draw.

And, it really feels like there is nobody present to even trouble him as he eyes a maiden title here in Rome.

Regardless of who he plays in the final, the world number one remains the overwhelming favourite against anybody who isn’t Carlos Alcaraz. However, he’ll likely have his favourite for whom he’d prefer to face.

After all, an all-Italian final in the Italian capital would mark a momentous occasion for sport in this country.

However, Luciano Darderi will certainly have to dig deep if he is to make it through, having actually been hindered by a decision made by the tournament.

Jannik Sinner slams one Italian Open issue this week

Jannik Sinner was not afraid to call this ‘problem’ out either in his recent press conference, after Darderi’s recent match did not finish until 2 am.

Initially, the 24-year-old conceded: “It rained yesterday. That slowed down the whole day a bit.”

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However, he then stated: “I am not a big fan of players having to start the match so late. We then go to bed really late. The problem for us too is that we’re all so time-zone-confused, right? Because you go to sleep really late, that is due to treatments, to meals, press conferences, and so many other things that then become really long, even if you have a rest day.

“He used a lot of energy against Sascha; he used a lot of energy yesterday, so let’s hope he has as much energy as possible, and then we’ll see how it goes. I wish him only the best, but you know, when you come on court so late, then it’s also difficult to play good tennis.

“I have a lot of respect for the crowd that stayed, it’s incredible and what pushes us to play.”

Sinner made tennis history with his latest victory at the Italian Open and will bid to do so again when he plays Daniil Medvedev later today.

A great tournament for Italian tennis at the Italian Open

Whilst Sinner’s straightforward run through the draw was wholly expected, what was not was just how well his compatriots would do as well.

After all, he is not the only Italian set to play a semi-final later today, and was one of many present in the Round of 32.

Sadly, this stage resulted in losses for Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Arnaldi, and Mattia Bellucci, but also saw the likes of Lorenzo Musetti and qualifier Andrea Pellegrino progress.

The latter was then beaten by Sinner in the Round of 16, whilst a physically hampered Musetti lost easily to Casper Ruud.

Now, we are down to just our last two Italians, and just like last year, it could end up with an all-Italian final if Sinner and Darderi both win their semi-finals.