Undoubtedly, Luciano Darderi was in beast mode during the Golden Swing. World No. 21 is 20-2 in his last 22 clay-court matches – a hot streak that includes two ATP titles and another trophy on the Challenger circuit.
To say he shows no signs of slowing down would be an understatement. The Italian started his month in South America with a runner-up finish in Buenos Aires (lost to Francisco Cerundolo) and is now looking to advance to the Chile Open. Darderi earned his place in the other final with victories over Mariano Navone, Andrea Pellegrino, and Sebastian Baez.
The 24-year-old may have thought he would have a rematch with Cerundolo on Sunday, but the Argentine was beaten by Yannick Hanfmann in the semi-finals. En route to his third ATP final and first since 2020, Hanfmann also eliminated Dusan Lajovic, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, and Vilius Gaubas.
While Darderi is the heavy favourite, the pressure is on Hanfmann as the 34-year-old German has never won an ATP title. Darderi is a top player – especially on clay – and has a lot of experience in the business end of tournaments. In addition, he is 2-0 in head-to-head series and 4-0 in complete sets.
Count on second seed Santiago reaching the top.
Pick: Darderi at 2
