Darderi makes first Masters hard court quarterfinal at NBO

The answer might not be as obvious as you think. 

The distinction goes to Luciano Darderi. 

When the Italian edged Nuno Borges 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to start play at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers on Saturday to reach his tenth quarterfinal of 2026, surpassing Alexander Zverev. 

Most of those have come on his preferred surface of clay but Darderi doesn’t want to be labelled a clay-court specialist.

“We’re working really hard with my team,” he said. “Very happy. Playing on this court is amazing for me because I was always a clay court player and now, I’m playing good on hard. It’s good for me.”

Darderi is now into a first Masters quarterfinal on hard courts after beating Borges for the second time in a month. 

READ: Sweet 16 at NBO features Masters 1000 winners, some who came close and others getting their feet wet

Their last meeting came on clay in the Swedish resort of Bastad, where Borges claimed his first title in 2024 by downing the great Rafael Nadal. 

Borges, more experienced on hard courts, sizzled on serve in the first set in the battle of spirited competitors in Montreal. He even recorded a 45-second hold. Overall, he authored 17 aces. 

He broke for 5-4 by ripping a return and that was enough for the set. 

But instead of building on the momentum, he was broken early in the second as Darderi beefed up his forehand and even drank coffee at a changeover to keep his energy up. 

A dramatic third set ensued. Besides the opening two games, every game had break points, went to deuce or 30-all.

An outstanding Darderi pick up off a drop shot helped him to break for 4-3. He — and the fans — soaked it up on Centre Court. But with that maiden hard court Masters quarterfinal in sight, he buckled. 

Darderi recovered for 6-5, taking advantage when Borges erred on an overhead at an awkward height. Borges also made an unforced error on a break point in the last game, his backhand leaking errors in the game. 

“The fans helped me a lot in the third set,” said Darderi, who also came from a set down in the previous round. 

He punched the air in celebration after converting match point. 

Photo: Sarah-Jäde Champagne/Tennis Canada