An encore for Darderi?

The Italian to defy the odds and clinch his 2nd indoor career win here in Vienna? Not sure...

Last year, Darderi ended Dominic Thiem’s career right here, in what is still his only career indoor win. He was disastrous last week in Almaty in fast conditions and against a varied opponent who completely threw him off his game. He should find slightly less unfavorable conditions here and a more “classic” opponent. He’s a player with big power, but for now he still struggles a lot off clay, even if there’s been some progress. I expect to see him a bit better—good enough to make a decent showing? That’s the whole question in this match, and I have my doubts.

On the other side, Nakashima is in decent form without being dazzling. He was clearly outplayed by Marozsan, who took time away from him by playing fast, especially with his down-the-line backhand, and our American doesn’t like being rushed that way. Darderi will give him more time to play, and I also think the conditions here suit him a bit better than in Almaty—he likes to counter and be solid from the baseline while leaning on a big serve.

H2H 1–0 for Darderi in a tight three-setter on clay this year. I don’t see many arguments as things stand in favor of the Italian, and it seems premature to expect much from him in these conditions.