At the Italian Open in Rome on Wednesday, young Dane Holger Rune startled six-time champion Novak Djokovic by making it to the semifinals.
The 20-year-old defeated the reigning champion 6-2 4-6 6-2 in a titanic match to earn back-to-back victories in the ATP Masters 1000 tournament over the top-ranked player in the world.
Prior to the French Open, which begins on May 28, when the Serb will attempt to earn a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title after passing Rafael Nadal by winning the Australian Open, Djokovic will cede the top spot to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
The streak is over. 😲
For the first time since 2004, neither Novak Djokovic nor Rafael Nadal will be in the @InteBNLdItalia final.#IBI23 pic.twitter.com/ur2O2S1pQ4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 17, 2023
In his interview, while still on the court, Rune remarked, “It’s definitely a great win for me. Obviously, I achieved it in Paris last year as well, but playing Novak is always a great test for me. He is among the best players to have ever taken the pitch. As I stated yesterday, I was at my best today because I knew I had to be. I’m quite proud of myself and had a great time.”
“Of course, I remain modest. I still have a lot to accomplish,” the Dane said. “I believe that you should always be modest. I believe I am, I hope I am, and I hope other people agree. I’m a fierce competitor on the court, and I give it everything during each of my games. I’m so happy that I was able to win tonight. To win, I had to put out my best tennis effort.
“I’m a huge admirer of Novak, so I give him a lot of credit. He is a great inspiration, and I want the best for him.”
It's always special, no matter the result.
See you next year, @DjokerNole ❤️#IBI23 | @atptour pic.twitter.com/J817VmRgiR
— Internazionali BNL d'Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 17, 2023
The seventh seed quickly pulled ahead 4-1 as Djokovic seemed uneasy in between games after admitting a day earlier that he was struggling with a medical condition. The seventh seed displayed his aggressive attitude and varied up his game with some exquisite drops.
Even though Djokovic was rapidly weakening, he was unable to stop Rune from winning the opening set as several spectators were shocked by the six-time champion’s problems. Rune blew a late breakpoint opportunity.
Midway through the second set, Djokovic took an analgesic, and the 35-year-old came roaring back to lead 5-2 after a break and hold as Rune lost his composure after a line call by the chair umpire.
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