Luciano Darderi

MTO

Luciano Darderi

MTO

medical time-out (left thigh)

Darderi overcame significant cramping and played with too much controlled agression in a straight set win over Nishioka. Darderi took an MTO down 1-2 in the second set due to a left thigh/groin issue and was battling cramps throughout the entirety of the second set. Nishioka saved 5 set points in a marathon first set but made a few loose errors late and Darderi took full advantage. Despite the physical issues, Darderi somehow sustained his level and was lethal off the forehand wing (24w 12ue) as Nishioka looked completely befuddled late in the second. Commentary: “Ridiculous watch in Tokyo with both players battling cramps as Nishioka just had no answer late. Darderi looked down and out and capilar barely move at times but somehow sustained the level.” Darderi 36w 21ue; Nishioka 33w 30ue. Darderi 7/6 6/3.