Trungelliti Makes History in Marrakech as Oldest Ever First-Time ATP Finalist

Marco Trungelliti’s dream run in Marrakech continues to make ATP history.

The 36-year-old Argentine qualifier upset top seed and defending champion Luciano Darderi 6-4, 7-6(2) to reach his first ever career final at the ATP 250 Grand Prix Hassan II event in Marrakech, Morocco.

By doing so, Trungelliti is now the oldest man to ever reach a first-time ATP final.

Trungelliti, when asked afterward if he ever believed this moment would happen, thanked his team, family, and his coach, Albert Portas, a former Hamburg Masters champion, for helping him achieve the record.

“Of course I believe that that’s one of the reasons that I’m here. Otherwise it wouldn’t be possible.And also I worked a lot to me and my team and also my wife, my kid. We all believed in breaking the record, basically. And that’s exactly what we have done now.”

“It seems like finally after eight years working together (with Portas), I’m putting on the court whatever he’s telling me,” Trungelliti added. “But finally we made it after several years. So I think it’s a great achievement for all of us.”

After taking the first set, Trungelliti found himself in a battle with Darderi, who looked poised to possibly force a decisive set.

Yet Trungelliti, who tossed in some outrageous drop shot winners from all parts of the court, eventually forced a tiebreak.

After jumping out to an early break lead, Trungelliti jumped out to a 4-1 lead with a strong serve.

Another brilliant drop shot gave the Argentine yet another break for 5-2. A sizzling ace gave him a 6-2 lead with multiple match points.

Showing no signs of nerves, Trungelliti eventually closed out the match with another potent serve.

The incredible week for Trungelliti will also propel him into the top 100 for the first time ever, and also make him the oldest man to make a top 100 debut in 50 years.

The Argentinian is up 41 spots to a career-high No. 76 in the ATP live rankings, ahead of Sunday’s final.

Trungelliti will face the winner of the second semifinal between Rafael Jodar and Camilo Ugo Carabelli.