Casper Ruud – Holger Rune 6–1, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3 Rune has had a formidable spring with two Masters finals and one ATP 500 victory in Bavaria, but against Norwegian opposition it came to a complete halt in this year’s second Grand Slam tournament. World number four Casper Ruud was on a revenge trip after the semi-final loss in Rome – and took complete control of the match at mighty Philippe-Chartier. The Dane started with a lack of precision in all phases of the game. He messed with his serve, alternating between hitting balls into the net and past the white lines. “Rune doesn’t look like himself at all,” stated Politiken after a terrible first set by the 20-year-old. – It almost looks like Holger Rune is still in the dressing room, commented Eurosport’s Svein Espen Lindås Olsen. – Ruud wreaks havoc with Rune, wrote Patrick McEnroe on Twitter. He is the brother of former major player John McEnroe. FRUSTRATED: Holger Rune had a bad start to the match in Paris. Photo: Christophe Ena / AP “Dream tennis” Rune didn’t come much closer to breaking the code in the second set. Ruud dominated and hardly made a mistake. It was won almost as convincingly 6–2. But after a breather, a toilet break and some nutrition, the 20-year-old was suddenly back at his very best. He broke Ruud at the first opportunity in the third set. Suddenly the match opened up a bit again. – It is quite clear that Holger has found the energy now. Playing dream tennis so far in this third set, said Olsen on Eurosport. Rune fought back and fought back in the match with 6–3 and reduced to 1–2 in sets. But in the fourth set, Ruud was back on his toes and secured the victory after taking an early break and fighting back subsequent points on his own serve. Alexander Zverev now awaits in the semi-finals. The German was ranked number two in the world last year, but is “only” number 27 at the moment after injuring himself badly in Paris last year. In the second semi-final, world number one Carlos Alcaraz and world number two Novak Djokovic meet. Both games will be played on Friday. Bad atmosphere The battle between the Norwegian and the Dane was Wednesday’s main attraction at the mighty Philippe-Chatrier facility in Paris. It is not a given when the players are from small tennis countries, but there was no way around it after last year’s thriller. Because it is still a fight that is being talked about. Then there was a hail of episodes on the field. Rune asked his mother to leave the stand. Sindige Ruud dealt with the Dane’s behavior afterwards and told him to grow up. The following day, dad Christian Ruud had to dismiss claims from mum Rune that they had cheered in their son’s face. Now the temperature should have dropped, even if they still don’t send Christmas cards to each other. The tournament ends with the final on Sunday.
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Casper Ruud to a new semi-final – Danish Holger Rune (20) was knocked out – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
