Day 5 Australian Open: Maestrelli Challenges Djokovic; Darderi Competes
On Day 5 of the Australian Open, Italian tennis player Luciano Darderi delivered an impressive performance, defeating Argentina’s Sebastian Baez with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. This victory marks Darderi’s advancement to the third round of the tournament, a significant achievement considering he had previously not won a match at the Australian Open.
Luciano Darderi’s Remarkable Journey
Ranked 25th in the world, Darderi’s win against Baez allows him to equate his best Grand Slam result. He previously reached the third round at Wimbledon in 2025 and at the US Open, where he faced strong opponents like Jordan Thompson and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite being less familiar with the Australian Open surface, Darderi showcased strong gameplay against Baez, who had started 2026 on a high note.
Match Highlights
- Darderi’s score: 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 against Baez.
- Ranked 25th in the world.
- Previously reached the third round at Wimbledon and the US Open.
- Baez had defeated French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round.
Upcoming Challenge
Darderi’s next opponent will be Karen Khachanov, who holds the 18th world ranking and is the 15th seed in the tournament. This match promises to be another exciting challenge for the rising Italian star as he continues his campaign at the Australian Open.
Past Encounters
In their previous matchups, Darderi has achieved a winning record against Baez, with three victories in seven encounters. Their last meeting was in the semifinals at Cordoba in 2024, where Darderi secured his first ATP final appearance.
