Rune remains near-perfect in Paris

Holger Rune ran his career record at the Paris Masters to 13-1 on Friday as he fought through a deciding set to hold off Alex de Minaur 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in the quarter-finals.

The 21-year-old Dane who won the indoor title in 2022 over Novak Djokovic, suffered his only loss at the event in the final a year ago against the veteran Serb..

Rune will bid for a third final here on Saturday, taking on third seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-4.

The loss knocked the Greek out of contention for a spot in the eight-man ATP Finals starting in nine days in Turin; Zverev had booked his place in the field several weeks ago.

“I thought the whole match was a very good level from him,” Zverev said. “He started off hot, had some good chances to break me in the beginning. 

“Maybe not break point wise but game wise. I got into the match and I found my rhythm and felt more and more comfortable and am happy with the win.”

Rune found himself level at a set each against de Minaur. After trading breaks midway through the set, Rune broke again for a 6-5 lead before serving out victory in two and a half hours with a love game.

“He was throwing so much against me,” the winner said of the defeated Aussie. “He was making almost every ball. 

“This court is quite fast, I had to adjust my game style – it was a constant battle.

“In the last couple of games I went for it and I got the win. I’m very happy.”

Rune has lost to Zverev twice since June, including in the Roland Garros fourth round (five sets) across town.

“The atmosphere here is so important,” the Scandinavian said.  “Sascha is the form player this season.

“I’ll have to be prepared and build on my level from this match.”

In the race to Turin, Rune – provisional 13th in the points race – would have to win another title here to pull into qualifying range for the event.

Di Minaur is sitting on provisional eighth with the chance to earn more points by playing next week in Belgrade.

Main photo:- Holger Rune celebrates in Paris – by ISFLtd