“I play some of my best tennis when I play the top guys of the world”- Rune takes another top 5 scalp to reach Rome final

The Dane will rise to a career high No 6 in the rankings next week irrespective of what happens on Sunday

Denmark’s Holger Rune reacts during his semi final match at the 2023 Italian Open Image Credit: AI/Reuters/Panoramic

May 20, 2023

If anyone need proof that Holger Rune is a big match player, the Dane provided that to them on Saturday at the Italian Open in Rome. The 20-year-old Rune won his seventh match in a row against a top 5 ranked opponent, joining the Big 3 – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic – and Gustavo Kuerten as the only players this century to win 7+ matches against top 5 players.

What was even more impressive was that it came after being a set and a break down against Casper Ruud, a player he had never beaten in four previous meetings (and taken only a set off in those four matches).

Rune Rallies Back 🔥

The moment @holgerrune2003 sealed a spot in his third-ever Masters 1000 Final!#IBI23 pic.twitter.com/HSlvGusA8g
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 20, 2023

“I play some of my best tennis when I play the top guys of the world,” Rune said after his win. “It’s a good time to play your best tennis because you need it against those players. I’ve managed to do it many times now. I think it’s obviously some of the toughest challenge to face guys in top 5 because they’re obviously some of the best guys in the world. But, yeah, I play well when I play them.”

Rune’s career record against the top 5 is now 7-1, with the only loss coming in the first round of the 2021 US Open to Djokovic, a player who he has since beaten twice including earlier this week.

I kept trusting the process and the way of playing, that I play
Holger Rune

The Dane, who will rise to a new career-high ranking of No 6 irrespective of what happens on Sunday, will meet either third seed Daniil Medvedev or fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Rome final

“I enjoy to play in Italy and Rome. It’s a great atmosphere. There’s a great energy on the court, super support. It’s a very passionate crowd. I really like it. It brings some of my best tennis,” the Dane said. “I’m having a good time, so I’m super happy, excited for tomorrow. It’s going to be a tough match no matter who I’m playing, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Whoever he faces, Rune will be hoping to play with the same self-belief that he credited as one of the keys to his victory on Saturday.

“I think how I managed to stay mentally composed when I was down and keep believing and keep trying to seek for my best tennis because I didn’t find it for the first set and a half. It’s tough. It’s long time not to be able to find your best shots, stuff like this,” Rune said when asked to explain the turnaround in the match. “But again, it was strong from my side that I kept believing. I managed to find it. I kept trusting the process and the way of playing, that I play. I managed to make it happen and beat him, so I’m super happy.”