On the evening of 13/5, a quarter-final match at the Italy Open between home player Luciano Darderi and Spanish opponent Rafael Jodar was suspended at the Foro Italico complex in Rome. The interruption occurred when celebratory fireworks, launched approximately 500 meters away at the Olimpico Stadium after Inter Milan's 2-0 victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final, created dense smoke that drifted over the tennis courts.

The thick smoke rendered the electronic line-calling system inoperable and significantly reduced the players' visibility. Darderi complained to the umpire about the deteriorating conditions, forcing a temporary halt to play. During the approximately 20-minute delay, the 24-year-old Italian player took the opportunity to rest with one espresso just outside the court.

The match between Luciano Darderi and Rafael Jodar was suspended due to dense smoke.

After the smoke cleared, the match resumed, concluding at 2 am, Rome time. Darderi ultimately defeated Jodar 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-0, despite missing two match points in the second set. In the semi-finals, Darderi will face Casper Ruud, the Norwegian who earlier overcame Karen Khachanov 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 in a match that also experienced a two-hour rain delay.

"This was truly a battle", Darderi admitted, reflecting on the challenging match. "After the second set, I didn't think I would win, but I tried game by game. I played better in the third set, and the win came down to stamina. I am very happy. The match went on very late, and it was difficult at times, but the crowd helped me a lot."

Luciano Darderi (right) shakes hands with Rafael Jodar after winning the Italy Open quarter-final at Foro Italico, Rome, Italy on 14/5/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

Inter Milan's victory over Lazio, secured by a Lautaro Martinez goal and an Adam Marusic own goal, marked a domestic double for Cristian Chivu's squad, following their Serie A title win earlier this month. This was Inter's 10th Coppa Italia triumph, placing them behind only Juventus (15), and their third domestic double, having previously achieved this in the 2005-2006 and 2009-2010 seasons.

Inter Milan's achievement of both the Scudetto and Coppa Italia directly impacts the race for European qualification spots in Serie A. Typically, the Coppa Italia winner earns a Europa League berth. However, since Inter had already secured a Champions League spot by winning Serie A, the European allocations are reordered.

Inter Milan players celebrate the Coppa Italia title. *Photo: Reuters*

Consequently, the 5th and 6th placed teams in Serie A will now qualify for the Europa League, while the 7th placed team will earn a spot in the Conference League. This means Atalanta, who are almost certain to finish in 7th place, will secure a European spot, and Roma, currently in 5th place, will at least secure a Europa League spot.

Hong Duy (via Daily Mail, Football Italy)