He is the only Italian to have won three tournaments this season: “I dream of reaching the Top 20. My brother also plays tennis, and he can count on my experience.”

He is the only Italian to have won three tournaments this year, and is one of the many exploits of an Italy that brings tennis joy every week. Luciano Darderi has dedicated his life to tennis. Together with his father, the explosive Gino, and his younger brother Vito, he has made every kind of sacrifice. When he arrived in Italy from Argentina, he was 14 years old and playing in Serie C: “Everyone helped me, many people took me in, friends to whom I owe a lot and who will always be in my life.” His sacrifices have paid off with a return to the top 40, just one step away from his best ranking of 32 in the world and, above all, a seed in New York. His latest success in Umag, in the final against Spain’s Taberner, left him with a badly bruised ankle, but nothing can stop this young man born in 2002, who has increasing confidence in his tennis and in the future.

Luciano, getting injured while celebrating a victory is quite a record. How are you feeling?

“Actually… I twisted my ankle at the end of the match. I can’t play in Toronto, but it’s nothing too serious and I hope to start preparing for the hard court tournaments soon.”

You’re on your third title of the season, the first among Italians. Did you expect this at the beginning of the year?

“Honestly, no. After winning in Marrakech, I realized I had the level to win tournaments, but the two weeks in Bastad and Umag with two titles in a row were really special. I gained confidence with every match.“

In what areas do you feel you have improved the most in recent years?

”In everything, I would say. Both physically and technically, but above all mentally. Playing two weeks in a row on clay and staying focused is a challenge. Now I know how to manage my energy better, these are things you learn with experience.”

Clay, as his four career titles prove, is his preferred surface. Hard courts are the next test. What are your expectations?

“I think I have a good chance of doing well here too. Last year I had physical problems during the American season and wasn’t able to get any results, but now I’m feeling better. If my ankle holds up, I’ll give it a shot. Hard courts are different, but I can improve.“

As you said before, you have few points to defend between now and the end of the season and your best ranking is within reach: is the top 20 a realistic goal?

”Yes, absolutely. I’d love to get there and I’m working towards that. There’s not long to go and I want to push hard.”

There’s a large Italian contingent on the tour. What’s the atmosphere like within the group?

“It’s great. We’ve grown up together, we’re all young, we know each other well. In London, we all used to go out for dinner together at Il Macellaio, an Italian restaurant, which was our headquarters. It’s important to have that support off the court too.”

Sinner was the last Italian to win Umag. Does having the number 1 “at home” push you to grow?

“Of course, he is a great example and a point of reference for all of us. What he did at Wimbledon, winning the title after losing the final in Paris, is crazy. Coming back so strong in another challenge against Alcaraz means only one thing: that mentally he is the best in the world.“

Your father is also your coach, your brother Vito is a promising tennis player. What is it like to share work and family?

”It’s great. My father and I still have a long way to go, but four titles in three years is a good starting point. We love this sport, we work hard, and it’s important for my brother to be able to count on my experience on the circuit. It was all new to me, just like it was for my father. If I’m here today, it’s thanks to him. We argue sometimes, we’re both explosive types, but the goal has always been to become professional tennis players, and we’re succeeding.”

Is it true that you nearly died in a car accident?

“Yes, once we were in the car with Marcello Macchione, after a match in Rimini, we were going to play another tournament. We took a big risk on a mountain road because a car tried to overtake us recklessly and there was a drop below us. The occupants of the car behind us died, but it wasn’t our time. Of course, experiencing such fear makes you appreciate everything much more.“

You are Argentinean and Italian. What do you bring with you from both cultures, both on and off the field?

”In life, definitely Italian food, and on the field, Argentinean ‘garra’, the desire to always fight. When I was little, I used to get very angry if things didn’t work out during a game, but now I’m more mature and calmer.“ We know you’re a Napoli fan. Is that because of Maradona? ”Of course, Diego unites everyone. Napoli is home.“

But you didn’t get the number 10 tattooed, did you?

”No, I have my grandmother, Elisa, tattooed on my arm. She’s no longer with us, but I always think of her. When I play, I look at that tattoo and feel close to her. She used everything she had, her pension, her savings, to help me in my career, so that I could become a tennis player. She gave me my first racket, and every time I win, I send her a kiss up there.”