Holger Rune savours sweet revenge over Grigor Dimitrov and big date with Jannik Sinner

James Richardson 11 Apr 2024 8:12 PM

Holger Rune prepares to serve.

Holger Rune took great satisfaction from besting an in-form Grigor Dimitrov at the Monte Carlos Masters to book himself a quarter-final date with Jannik Sinner.

Rune had lost his last two matches against Dimitrov and most recently went down to the Bulgarian in the Brisbane International final.

The Dane saved two match points on his way to winning 7-6(9), 3-6, 7-6(2) and levelling up the head-to-head against Dimitrov at 2-2.

Rune took extra confidence from the victory given how hard-fought it was and how well Dimitrov has played recently.

Apart from Dimitrov’s title win in Brisbane, he has also reached finals in Marseille and Miami in a run that has seen him break back into the top ten in a time when Rune is threatened with a slip out of the elite bracket.

“It was a great match,” Rune said in his on-court interview.

“I thought I played a very good first set, it was very long, one-and-a-half hours. So it was tough physically. I had a match earlier today which was two sets, so I played five sets today actually, which is pretty brutal.

“To beat Grigor, who’s played such a good season, and last season, and to get my revenge is a great feeling. I played very good and I’m happy to beat him.”

Rune goes on to what will be a fourth career meeting with Sinner.

While Rune holds a 2-1 lead in that head-to-head rivalry the Dane conceded that their track record might not count for much when they face off in Monte Carlo.

“It’s going to be great. He’s for sure the favourite at the moment. I have a winning record, 2-1, but let’s see how it’s going to be,” said Rune.

“He’s been definitely the player that almost nobody can beat. I think only Carlos [Alcaraz] beat him this year so far, and he’s the other greatest player this year. It’s going to be a big challenge, especially after a long day today, so I’m going to recover and try to do my best.”