Holger Rune says that Novak Djokovic is hard to kill

Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic

Holger Rune said that he is proud of himself for rising to the challenge of finishing off Novak Djokovic in a deciding set.

Rune said that Djokovic’s legendary ability to lift his game is not a myth but he knew he had to be brave and keep playing his shots.

The world No 7 eventually clinched a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 victory saving a couple of break points as he served for the match to claim back to back wins over Djokovic.

Rune said afterwards that his second win over Djokovic was just as big to him as he became the sixth man to beat the world No 1 in Rome.

“It’s really a big win for me,” said Rune.

“Obviously I did it last year in Paris as well, but every match is a huge challenge for me when I play against Novak.

“He’s one of the greatest that’s ever played the game.

“I knew I had to be at my best and I said it yesterday, and I was today. I’m super proud of myself and I enjoyed every moment out there.”

Rune had to reset during a match that saw him embroiled in an argument with the chair umpire.

Hawkeye suggested that Rune might have been correct to argue the umpire’s call.

Rune insists that he won’t let big wins over Djokovic inflate his sense of importance .

“I stay humble of course. I have a lot to achieve,” said the Dane.

“I think you should always be humble. I think I am, I hope so and I hope people see me this way. I’m a huge fighter on the court and I leave everything when I play my matches. I’m super proud I was able to get the victory today. I had to fight hard and play my best tennis.

“Huge credit to Novak, I’m a big fan of his. He’s a huge inspiration and I wish him all the best.”

The top seed and defending champion Djokovic, who looked physically unwell and himself needed physiotherapy at 2-1 in the second set, was defeated by the Dane after racing to the opening set. The Serbian, who is known for his tenacity, improved his game and broke for the first time in the match to take a 5-2 lead in the second.

Play was interrupted due to bad weather at 6-2, 4-5, 0/30 even though Rune had pushed the 35-year-old back by reclaiming that earlier break. The world No 7 was under pressure to hold serve and stay in the second set. As soon as play resumed, Djokovic won the game he required to tie the match and force a third set.

However, in the decisive set, Djokovic was helpless to stop Rune, a Rome rookie, as the Dane’s mix of strength from the baseline and cunning drop shots to entice the Serbian forward allowed him to control rallies. He secured a match against either Casper Ruud or Francisco Cerundolo in the Italian capital after jumping out to an ultimately unstoppable 4-0 lead in the third set.

Rune wasn’t able to secure another break but held his serve twice more despite intense pressure from Djokovic.

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