Alexander Zverev fails in Munich in the round of 16 against teenager Holger Rune – out for Olympic champions

Tobias Laure reports from the ATP tournament in Munich

Again and again these stops. Holger Rune, Number 70 in the world rankings and one of the greatest talents on the tour, played extremely unpleasantly from the very first rally and sometimes made the third in the world rankings look much older than he is at 25.
“That was bottomless of me. I would have lost to any player in the main draw today. That was my worst match in six or seven years,” went Zverev was tough on himself at the press conference after the end.

Rune was already leading 3-0 after nine minutes on the very well-filled Center Court on Aumeisterweg and couldn’t lose the lead.

The 18-year-old played his game and won the first set despite increasing resistance from the German, who was also enthusiastically cheered on by the audience.

Zverev: No ace and three double faults

It did not help. Zverev didn’t get going in the second set either. The Olympic champion quickly fell behind again. And rune? Remained completely unimpressed, focused – and used his second match ball after 1:39 hours.

Only disillusionment remained for Zverev. The German didn’t hit an ace, but made three double faults. With seven break chances, he only took the service from Rune once. Far too little to seriously endanger the courageous outsider.

“I played without a forehand today and overall such a performance is not enough in a 250 tournament,” said Zverev.

Rune, meanwhile, wowed viewers with his game. The Dane, who was still number 310 in the ATP ranking a year ago, acted variably.

Again and again he brought Zverev to the net with stops, he served well and also kept up on the forehand. It was his first win against a player from the top 5 in the world.

Rune wants to gift herself

The winner of the match between Emil Ruusuvuori and Maxime Cressy is now waiting in the quarter-finals. Feasible for Rune, who suddenly belongs to the extended circle of title contenders – and has reason to celebrate anyway.

“April 29th is my birthday. I would like to celebrate it here,” said the youngster during the winner’s interview.

The top favorite after the Zverev-Ko is Casper Ruud. World number seven from Norway starts the tournament against Slovakian Alex Molcan.

  • Podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball – the latest episode with Boris Becker

You might also be interested in: Federer announces comeback plan

Crazy backhand! Audience escalates at Zverev demonstration

source site