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In his Italian Open semifinal match, Luciano Darderi made the unfortunate and blatant error of forgetting to get the child’s hand who was supposed to escort him on to the tennis court.
After intense tennis internet ridicule, Darderi apologized.
While it is not clear why the tournament did not do anything in real time to fix the situation (like tell Darderi to go back when he got to the bench), the Italian Open did make amends with the child in a smart public relations move before Sunday’s final.
MORE: Is Mirra Andreeva a better singles or doubles player
The tournament invited the girl back so that she could be involved in the coin toss prior to the Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud match.
Darderi will likely not live down his egregious error anytime soon, but the tournament has cleared the issue on its end.
Aug 29, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Luciano Darderi of Italy in action against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the third round of the menís singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
The child got to be on court twice and in a big role in the final. In addition to the coin toss, there were photo opportunities with the players.
MORE: Which players will not compete at the 2026 French Open
While Darderi was in the wrong, it does raise the question of whether the tournaments should put children on the court to walk in with the players.
It is a nice gesture, albeit somewhat awkward, as the players are focusing on their last minute mental and physical preparations for the match.
Having kids at the net for the coin toss and photos seems like a better solution.
Continue reading...
After intense tennis internet ridicule, Darderi apologized.
While it is not clear why the tournament did not do anything in real time to fix the situation (like tell Darderi to go back when he got to the bench), the Italian Open did make amends with the child in a smart public relations move before Sunday’s final.
MORE: Is Mirra Andreeva a better singles or doubles player
Italian Open made a wise and meaningful gesture
The tournament invited the girl back so that she could be involved in the coin toss prior to the Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud match.
Darderi will likely not live down his egregious error anytime soon, but the tournament has cleared the issue on its end.
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Aug 29, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Luciano Darderi of Italy in action against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the third round of the menís singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
The child got to be on court twice and in a big role in the final. In addition to the coin toss, there were photo opportunities with the players.
MORE: Which players will not compete at the 2026 French Open
Should kids be on court to walk players in?
While Darderi was in the wrong, it does raise the question of whether the tournaments should put children on the court to walk in with the players.
It is a nice gesture, albeit somewhat awkward, as the players are focusing on their last minute mental and physical preparations for the match.
Having kids at the net for the coin toss and photos seems like a better solution.
Continue reading...
