Overview
- Darderi failed to shake his assigned child mascot’s hand during the walk-on for his Rome semifinal against Casper Ruud, and video of the moment drew swift backlash online.
- After the footage spread, he posted an Instagram apology to the girl, Camilla, saying he missed the handshake unintentionally because he was intensely focused.
- The tournament brought the same child back for the final, giving her the coin toss and photo opportunities with the players as a visible corrective.
- Darderi’s run ended in a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Ruud, and he said he had no fuel left after a breakthrough week that included wins over Tommy Paul, Alexander Zverev, and Rafael Jódar.
- The episode has renewed calls to keep children at the net for the coin toss and photos rather than escorting players onto court, citing the pressure of those walk-on moments.