Now Reading: Darderi beats Borges, meets Nakashima in Montreal Open quarterfinal
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Darderi beats Borges, meets Nakashima in Montreal Open quarterfinal
Luciano Darderi beat Nuno Borges 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the Montreal Masters quarterfinal on Saturday. The Italian, ranked 22, will next face American Brandon Nakashima, who defeated Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (7/4),…
The Story in Brief
Luciano Darderi beat Nuno Borges 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the Montreal Masters quarterfinal on Saturday. The Italian, ranked 22, will next face American Brandon Nakashima, who defeated Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 7-5 in a rain-interrupted match. Darderi used an espresso during a changeover to fuel his comeback. He is playing in his 10th quarterfinal of the season, an ATP-leading number, and earned his 30th win of 2026.
Spanish teen Rafael Jodar, 19, ousted eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3 to also reach the last eight. Jodar, runner-up last week in Washington, will face French 18th seed Arthur Fils, who beat Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-6 (8). A Montreal title would lift Jodar into the top 10 for the first time.
The Indian Opinion
The 'Espresso Shot' storyline around Darderi is fun, but it risks overshadowing a genuine hardcourt leap. The Italian, once a clay-court specialist, has 30 wins this season and a second Masters quarterfinal. The real test awaits against Nakashima, whose own confidence is surging. Can Darderi sustain this level against a player who thrives on big points? That match will separate a good run from a statement season.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
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