Work and improve. These are the reference points in the head of one of the most interesting prospects of Italian tennis. The reference is to Vito Darderibrother of Luciano (n.34 in the ranking), of Argentine origins and trained by dad Gino to become a top-level tennis player on the top professional circuit in the near future.
A talent that many professionals talk about, in the ability to impart great power into groundstrokes, especially from the forehand side. Long, loose hair, with attached hat, the 16-year-old Italian-Argentine has very clear ideas about what to do and current events matter up to a certain point, because the priority is the construction of the tennis base. He spoke about it to OA Sport.
You made your debut on the ATP circuit at a very young age: what emotions did you feel?
“For me it was an important and engaging experience. I received a wild card in 2023 at 15 years old at a $15,000 Futures in Pescara and it was exciting to play at that age with so many professional players. Then I played in Buenos Aires in an ATP Challenger and recently in Chieti in a 15,000 dollar Futures. All important experiences in my growth as a professional player“.
How do you rate your 2024 season so far?
“I am well classified as an ITF Junior, but I am training a lot, not considering the Junior path which is completely different from the Pro one as important. My goal, in fact, is to become strong in the top professional circuit and not now. I’m not interested in the Junior ranking“.
What will your tournament calendar be for the summer?
“A mix between Open in Italy and pro tournaments. I want to increase my level of play and not think about the results in the youth circuit. In July I will play the qualifiers in a 15,000 dollar Futures in Gubbio and in August I will be on the scoreboard in a 25,000 dollar ITF in Montesilvano near Pescara“.
How important is the figure of your brother Luciano to you?
“AND a reference point. We train a lot together. I’m happy with the results he’s getting“.
You arrived in Italy when you were very young. What memories do you have?
“I remember very little. My life as a tennis player is divided between Italy and Argentina. In the summer they are in Italy for tournaments, while in the winter they are in Argentina again for South American tournaments“.
Experts claim that you have qualities even superior to your brother. Does this stimulate you or create pressure?
“My brother, as I was saying, is a point of reference for me. I don’t know if I have superior qualities. Our two types of tennis are different. I have a lot to learn from him“.
What’s your best shot?
“Definitely the right“.
And what do you need to improve on?
“I have to play a lot and grow. My father taught me to work hard and with great humility every day in order to become a good professional tennis player tomorrow“.
What is your seasonal goal?
“Working, training and improving my tennis from the perspective of a professional player and not a junior“.
And your career dream?
“Enter the top ten players in the world“.
Would you like to play for Italy in the Davis Cup?
“I have already represented Italy in the Youth Olympics in 2023 in Slovenia, in the European Championships. I am always ready and available if I am called to play for the Italian national team. It would be wonderful to play in the Davis Cup with my brother Luciano“.
