Fist-pumping teenager Holger Rune shocked Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 comeback on Sunday to break through for a first Masters 1000 title with success in Paris.
The 19-year-old Dane who tends to celebrate and raise his arms in triumph on more than a few winning points, fought off six break points in a marathon final game lasting for nearly 20 minutes before triumphing on his second match point when Djokovic couldn’t handle a return.
The youngster, who tends to peacock at times on the court in a plea for crowd support, needed just over two and a half hours to earn the biggest win of his fledgling career.
He will rise to 10th in the rankings on Monday and will switch from the NextGen Finals in Milan and become the alternate for the ATP Masters in Turin instead.
Rune ended Djokovic’s 13-match win streak while claiming his own 19th victory from his last 21 matches; he was presented the unique tree-shaped tournament trophy by former Swedish great Stefan Edberg..
“Novak has always been one of my favourite players,” the winner said of his beaten opponent, 35.
“I’ve been watching you since I was a little kid, it was a pleasure to share the court with you”
Rune said that the Paris indoor event “has to be my favourite tournament now. I can’t wait to come back next year.”
With massive crowd support against the veteran, Rune took strength from the notoriously rowdy Paris fans at the Bercy arena.
Djokovic missed out on a 39th Masters title and a fifth trophy this season; Rune is the youngest Paris champion since 18-year-old Boris Becker in 1986.
Djokovic was bidding for a seventh title here.
“I’m not happy that you beat me, but on the other hand, you are a very dedicated guy who loves tennis. You hard work is paying off.
“It was tough luck, but I lost to a better opponent in the crucial moments.
“It was tough, but you win some, and you lose some. There is always the next challenge to look forward to.”
Rune fired 43 winners while Djokovic had 34. But the Serb could only convert on two of a dozen break point chances.
Rune, playing his fourth consecutive ATP final, defeated five Top 10 opponent this week: Hubert Hurkacz, Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime along with Djokovic.
Main photo:- Holger Rune wins his first Masters 1000 title in Paris – by Chryslene Caillaud
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