Francisco Comesaña and Luciano Darderi, who competed together in Argentina’s junior circuit when professional tennis seemed distant, are set to face each other at Roland Garros.
Their paths crossed in regional tournaments, a far cry from the grand stage of Roland Garros. Fifteen years later, their story continues in Paris.
Early Encounters in Argentina
Comesaña and Darderi gained experience, victories, and titles in the same region. Comesaña was born in Mar del Plata in October 2000, while Darderi was born in Villa Gesell in February 2002, a mere 136 kilometres apart.
Their matches were competitive due to their high level of play. Those who witnessed their early matches noted a sporting rivalry between them.
Darderi’s Move to Italy
At the age of 14, Darderi moved to Italy. Four years prior, he had decided to represent Italy, his paternal family’s country of origin.
Despite the distance, their sporting and personal connection remained. When Francisco travelled to Italy, they spent time together, and the Darderi family even took him to the Vatican.
Admiration and Friendship
Their friendship extended beyond the court. In November, they participated in an exhibition at the Club Náutico de Mar del Plata during the institution’s centenary celebrations.
During the event, they expressed mutual admiration. Darderi described Comesaña as fast and a great server, highlighting his fighting spirit. “‘Come’ is very fast and for the height he has, he is a great server. He always keeps fighting when he is down. That attitude is very important in tennis. Never give up the match,” said Darderi.
Comesaña praised Darderi’s power. “I admire his power. I like to watch him play. He has a very strong serve and forehand. He fights every match, stands up to any opponent. And he is a bit stubborn, something very important in this sport, as well as being a great person,” said Comesaña.
They also shared successes in the professional circuit. In 2022