Luciano Darderi vs Alexander Zverev Preview & Prediction | 2026 Italian Open | Round of 16
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Alexander Zverev goes up against Luciano Darderi in Rome.
Ranking points: ATP 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
Surface: Outdoor clay
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Luciano Darderi vs Alexander Zverev ticket information
Luciano Darderi vs Alexander Zverev prediction
Luciano Darderi staged a brilliant comeback as he came from a set and a break down to beat Tommy Paul and reach the round-of-16 at the Italian Open. Paul was in control after winning the first set and breaking to go 3-2 up in the second, but Darderi then won nine games in a row to level up the match and go a double break up in the third. He won 3-6 6-3 6-2 after two hours and 23 minutes.
He now faces world number three Alexander Zverev. The German, who won this event in 2017 and 2024, got past Alexander Blockx in straight sets. Zverev had won their semi-final match in Madrid just nine days earlier in comfortable fashion, and it was another straight-forward match for the three-time Grand Slam finalist as he won 6-1 6-4.
These two have met on one previous occasion, at this event in 2024, with Zverev winning 7-6 6-2. Darderi has improved as a player since then, and this is likely to be Zverev’s biggest test of the tournament so far.
Luciano Darderi vs Alexander Zverev tip: Over 20.5 games
