Luciano Darderi apologizes to little Camilla

Luciano Darderi on social apologized for the gesture he made before the start of his match against Casper Ruud at the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome. The Italo-Argentinian tennis player was much criticized on social for his controversial entry onto the court wearing sunglasses, ignoring the little girl who had tried to give him her hand to accompany her onto the court.

The video had gone viral on social, creating much outrage from tennis fans. Darderi on his profiles apologized for what happened: “I am very sorry for not giving Camilla’s hand: it was an involuntary gesture, which occurred in a moment of great concentration and tension on an important stage.”

“Those who really know me know how much I always value human relations with fans and respect for all the people who are part of this sport.”

Darderi, in his first semifinal in Rome, succumbed sharply 6-1, 6-1 against the Norwegian player.

The tennis player had made it to the semifinals after a very tough run in Rome: the quarterfinal against Rafael Jodar had ended at 2 a.m., in an endless match that was also suspended due to smoke from fireworks coming from the Stadio Olimpico, where the Coppa Italia final between Inter and Lazio was being played. Darderi had won 7-6, 5-7, 6-0, calling it “the best victory of my career,” but the physical price to pay had been very high.

The Italian, who had risen to No. 16 in the ATP rankings, had closed his Roman tournament with emotionally charged words after the knockout with Ruud: “It has been a dream week and I want to thank those who have been with me. It was the best tournament of my life.”