Holger Rune played only 15 minutes against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2023 ATP Finals, but he didn't mind ultimately, as it preserved his legs.
Rune and Tsitsipas were supposed to play a really good match, but that didn't happen as the Greek player had to retire due to a back issue. It was an unfortunate end for Tsitsipas, who is out of the event, while Rune retains a chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals, depending on how the other matches go.
It's obviously not the way he wanted to get his maiden ATP Finals win, but it's a trend with Rune. He won his maiden trophy similarly when Botic van de Zandschulp retired in the Munich final. After the match, Rune saw the positives in the way the match ended as it preserved his legs.
No, no, no, I didn't know. You never know. He was serving slow in this one game, but it might be tactical. He still held. I didn't manage to break him, so it was still effective. I didn't hear any rumors. I was ready for it.
I was honestly, had one thought in my mind that he might retire actually. Of course, it's very, very unfortunate for the fans because it's a tough one. But, again, good for my legs (smiling).
Rune struggled physically in the previous match against Novak Djokovic, especially in the third set, so his comment makes some sense. There is probably more truth to it than he'd like to admit, but in any case, a match against Jannik Sinner is looming.
With the Italian beating Novak Djokovic, it's going to be almost a direct showdown for a spot in the semi-finals as every game played will matter. They had a very heated clash earlier this year in Monte-Carlo, which Rune won. There is some history there so it's going to be epic, and being fully rested will help him.
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