Cristian Garin vs Luciano Darderi Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | First Round
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Cristian Garin takes on Luciano Darderi in the first-round of the Australian Open.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Cristian Garin vs Luciano Darderi ticket information
Cristian Garin vs Luciano Darderi prediction
Cristian Garin is still searching for his first win this season as he begins his Australian Open campaign. The Chilean, who is ranked 80 in the world, lost in the first stages of qualifying in Hong Kong and Auckland to Michael Mmoh and Eliot Spizzirri respectively. His best result in Melbourne was a third-round appearance in 2022.
He faces Luciano Darderi in round one. The Italian is at his highest ranking of 24 after a strong season in 2025 which saw him pick up three ATP titles. Those were all on clay, and Darderi tends to struggle on other surfaces. He won his first match in Auckland last week against Alejandro Tabilo but then lost to Marco Giron despite going a set up.
Garin has experience on his side and Darderi isn’t completely comfortable on hard courts. Nevertheless, the higher-ranked Italian should still win enough points with his flatter groundstrokes, which suit the quick conditions in Melbourne, and he's the favourite to advance.
Cristian Garin vs Luciano Darderi tip: Luciano Darderi to win
