Freed from the stomach issues that saw him go viral around the world on Tuesday for suddenly rushing to the bathroom immediately after defeating Cristian Garin in his first round match, Darderi avenged his 2024 US Open loss to Baez in a shade under two and a half hours.
Darderi struggled against Baez's serve in a second set that lasted only 28 minutes, but regained his composure and control of the match despite being immediately broken at the start of the fourth set.
The number 22 seed was full of praise for his Argentine opponent in their seventh head-to-head clash across all surfaces, with Darderi now having defeated Baez twice in six months.
“Today was a really difficult match," Darderi said.
"The last time was in Bastad on clay, so this time was a little bit different. He has started the season pretty well, in the United Cup and he made the finals in Auckland.
"So it was a really tough match but I played a really good game, especially in the important moments. I played really solid today.”
“I was just aggressive in the important moments. I stayed really focused mentally in the right moments, like when it was 5-4 in the third set. That was the key point of the match.
"He started really well in the fourth set but I just kept trying to push him outside of the court.”
Darderi confirmed to Flashscore on Thursday that his stomach issues against Garin were not related to a virus or illness, but rather an adverse reaction to some harsh anti-inflammatory medication.
"I took some anti-inflammatories without any cover (protection) for the stomach. That was the main problem," he explained.
"Yesterday I rested and did everything right with the doctors. Everything is fine now.
"My stomach today was pretty well, so all good now.”
One of three Italian men in the singles draw alongside fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti and title favourite Jannik Sinner, Darderi says he has "no expectations" as he attempts to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time in just his third season of main draw appearances.
"I’m just trying to win some matches."
"It was my first time winning a match here. Now that I’m here in the third round, I just have to enjoy it."
In addition to the imposing obstacle of number 15 seed Karen Khachanov, who he has never faced in formal competition, Darderi faces the likelihood of having to compete in temperatures that could climb into the low 40s (celsius).
Saturday's third round matches are almost certain to be impacted by the Australian Open's Extreme Heat Policy, which mandates ten-minute cooling breaks between sets, the closing of the roof on all three major show courts, and potentially even a suspension of play on the uncovered outer courts.
"Karen is a really good player with a lot of hard court experience, so I’ll try to do my best," Darderi said when looking ahead to Saturday.
“I’ll try to take in a lot of water and food tomorrow to be ready because it’s going to be really, really hot here. We'll see how it goes.”