ATP Masters in Rome: Holger Rune beats Novak Djokovic in three sets in the quarterfinals

Djokovic experienced a complete false start to the match, could hardly keep up with the power of the world number seven in the first round and let his frustration run free.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner kept fighting with his box, cursed, seemed dissatisfied. Rune was calm himself, played close to the maximum and won the first set 6:2 after 39 minutes.

In the second round, Djoker improved, found his game and was able to put more and more pressure on Rune. With his own service, he didn’t allow much and got the break in the sixth game to make it 4: 2. A lead that he brought to the finish line 6:4 after 49 minutes.

Rune didn’t lose his focus though. “Even after the lost set I knew it was ok. I just had to keep playing my game,” said the 20-year-old proudly after the match. The Dane continued to make extremely few mistakes and also grabbed two breaks in the third set against a deeply frustrated Djokovic, who messed with the crowd and himself.

Rune in the semifinals against Ruud

After 2:17 hours, Rune converted his first match point to 6: 2, 4: 6, 6: 2 and now meets the Norwegian Casper Ruud in the semifinals, who defeated Francisco Cerúndolo from Argentina 7: 6 (7: 5), 6 :4 prevailed.

“I beat him in Paris last year, but it’s always something special to play and win against one of the best of all time,” said the 2023 BMW Open winner, before expressing his admiration for the man from Belgrade: “He’s a huge inspiration to me, I’m a big fan of his. I wish him the best.”

Djokovic, on the other hand, left the square without a word and didn’t even have time for autographs for the waiting fans at the exit. From next Monday, the 35-year-old will be replaced as number one in the world by Carlos Alcaraz.