Tennis

Holger Rune: I learned so many new things in first match against Novak Djokovic

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Holger Rune revealed his confidence levels increased after his first match against Novak Djokovic and also noted that particular match showed him how a top player really plays. 

At the 2021 US Open, Rune made it past the qualifying event to make his Grand Slam main draw debut.

In his first-ever Grand Slam main draw match, Rune took on the now 22-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.

Rune certainly didn’t embarrass himself as he took a set off Djokovic before the Serb won their first-round match with a 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-2 6-1 score.

“For sure there were a lot of things. Both in terms of confidence, which actually raised inside myself during that match, and also after, because at that time I had no idea that I could compete at that level, with Novak. I could only do it for one set, but just that I could was very impressive for myself. And then there were so many small tennis things that I got inspired by him. How close he put it to the line. How precise he is. How high his first-serve percentage is, so there were so many things to learn from him in that match,” Rune told the Indian Wells tournament website.

Rune beat Djokovic for his first Masters title

Rune, 19, clinched the biggest victory of his career in late 2022 at the Paris Masters.

In the Paris final, Rune stunned Djokovic 3-6 6-3 7-5 to win his first Masters title.

After beating Djokovic to become a Masters champion, Rune was absolutely thrilled and delighted.

“It means everything to me, a perfect way to finish the week. It’s a privilege to share the court with Novak,” Rune said.

By beating Djokovic to win the Paris Masters title, Rune also clinched a top-10 spot for the first time in his career.

Rune’s next big goals are to win a Grand Slam and reach the world No 1 spot.

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