Italian Novak Djokovic lost to Holger Rune 2-6, 6-4, 2-6 in the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters on May 17.
For the second consecutive time, Djokovic was dethroned by the young Danish talent. After defeating Nole in last year's Paris Masters final, Rune continued his winning streak by beating the veteran in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Rome Masters with a convincing performance. For the first time since 2004, the Rome Masters final will be without both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic (right) congratulates Rune after their quarterfinal match at the Rome Masters on May 17. Photo: ATP
Rune started better and quickly won the service game with a backhand winner. Djokovic also had break points afterward, but missed them all. The world number one was not at his best, frequently making errors in baseline shots and drop shots. Nole lost another service game before losing the first set 2-6.
The momentum shifted in the second set after a controversial incident. With Rune leading 40-30 on his serve, the umpire ruled the ball in bounds from Djokovic's return. Rune was very close to the ball and argued it was out. The umpire upheld the decision, awarding the point to Djokovic, much to Rune's frustration. The 20-year-old then lost his service game and fell behind 2-4.
Despite winning the break and narrowing the score to 4-5, Rune still lost the second set. The Danish player was down 0-30 in the deciding service game, and when the match resumed after the rain, Djokovic won two consecutive points to close out the set.
But Nole couldn't maintain his momentum. He lost the first four games of the third set before succumbing 2-6, 6-4, 2-6 to his opponent, who was 16 years younger. "I know I can play better," Djokovic said after the match. "I definitely want to see different aspects of my current tennis and reach 100% fitness. I still feel I can beat anyone at a Grand Slam, in a five-set format."
Djokovic also admitted that his opponent Rune deserved the win, praising his younger opponent's quick movement, composure, and ability to anticipate his opponent's moves well. Rune will face Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, a rematch of their quarter-final encounter at Roland Garros last year.
The events of the Djokovic - Rune match on May 17th.
Djokovic will lose his world number one ranking after the Rome Masters and enter Roland Garros as the second seed. Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal will hold a virtual press conference at 10 PM today ( Hanoi time) to announce whether or not he will participate in the clay-court Grand Slam. The Spanish player hasn't played a match since the Australian Open.
Vy Anh
Source link
Comment (0)