Holger Rune needed three sets again, but the Danish rising star is through to the next round of the Brisbane International.
Rune entered 2024 with high ambitions of winning his maiden Grand Slam. He's certainly capable of it but will need a bit more than he showed so far in his career, and part of that is just playing and growing as a player.
There have certainly been some growing pains in Brisbane this week as his first match at the event went to three sets, but he won it. This next one featured similar struggles as he once again played against a very competent player who likes to play attacking tennis.
Alexander Shevchenko snatched one set but ultimately was no match for Rune, who would win in three sets. The opening set was pretty competitive for both players as both had chances to break.
Ultimately, it was Rune who got it done because he served a bit better and generally played the crucial rallies better. He saved all three break points as opposed to Shevchenko, who didn't
The second set was equally close, but this time around, it was the Russian who won the crucial rallies. Schevchenko served better, not allowing a single break point, and forced Rune into more mistakes, which proved enough.
The Dane wasn't happy, and he unleashed all of his fury in the final set. He took an early break, 2-0, and then added another later for good measure, 4-0, and that was more than enough to win the match.
Rune had a chance to break his opponent once more and attempt to bagel him, but that did not happen as both players held their serves to finish off the match.
The final score was 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 for Rune, who moved on to the Brisbane International quarter-final. He'll face home player James Duckworth for a spot in the semi-final.
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