Luciano Darderi came under fire after an uncomfortable scene during his Italian Open semifinal walkout. Wearing Emporio Armani sunglasses, the 24‑year‑old passed by the child mascot who was supposed to accompany him onto the court. The gesture was widely criticized by fans and commentators, with many accusing him of ignoring the young girl.
Social media backlash
The incident quickly spread across social platforms, where tennis supporters and analysts condemned the behavior. The debate highlighted how even small gestures can carry weight in high‑profile sporting events, and the moment overshadowed Darderi’s performance on the court.
The apology
Darderi later addressed the situation publicly, explaining that nerves and focus before the match led to the mistake. “I am very sorry for not shaking Camilla’s hand: it was an involuntary gesture, which happened in a moment of great concentration and tension on an important stage. Those who truly know me are aware of how much I value the human relationship with fans and the respect towards everyone who is part of this sport,” he said, clarifying that the incident was not intentional.
Moving forward
By apologizing directly to the mascot and acknowledging the error, Darderi sought to ease tensions and reaffirm his respect for the sport and its supporters. The episode remains a reminder of the scrutiny athletes face in moments of pressure, but his words may help restore trust among fans.
An iconic entrance from Luciano Darderi 😎
Stream the Rome semifinals on our App 📲#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/F005r5oSCs
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 15, 2026
ATP Hamburg - Luciano Darderi's projected path
Luciano Darderi in 2026
Currently the world no.20, Luciano played his last match on the 15th of May when he lost to world no.25 Casper Ruud 6-1 6-1 in the semifinal in Rome (draw).
This season the Italian achieved a composed 18-11 record. This year, Darderi lifted the trophy in Santiago. Luciano was the runner-up in Buenos Aires.
