The battle of tennis' most popular Scandinavians is well and truly on after Casper Ruud answered Holger Rune's open challenge to a singles match.
Rune, who became the highest-ranked Danish male player last year when he ascended to World No. 4, enjoyed performing in front of his home crowd in a recent exhibition match in singles and mixed doubles.
Billed as the 2024 Champions Battle, Rune faced off against French veteran Gael Monfils at the Jyske Bank Boxen arena in Herning, Denmark. The 21-year-old overpowered his more accomplished competitor 7-6, 6-3.
Then, it was the turn of women's singles, where Caroline Wozniacki outlasted Elina Svitolina 6-4, 4-6, 10-4. Thereafter, Rune teamed up with the former WTA World No. 1 to take on Monfils and his wife Svitolina in a mixed doubles match. The tennis couple got their revenge, winning a one-off set 6-4.
Rune took to Instagram to share his appreciation for the support given by the Danish crowd and promised to be back for another match. He challenged anyone to take him on in Copenhagen.
"Thank you Denmark for an incredible night here in boxen. The Danish support is fantastic 🙌🏽 this will for sure not be the last time I play at home 🇩🇰 So anyone up for a challenge to play against me later this year in Copenhagen ? let me know 😄 #championsbattle2024 #jyskebankboxen."
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud responded in the comments section by accepting the challenge. But he made up his own stipulation to honor it. The World No. 7 admitted that he would play in Denmark's capital city as long as Rune faced him in Norway first.
"I’ll take you on in Denmark if you come to Oslo first🇳🇴🇩🇰."
"@casperruud deal challenge accepted."