NEW DELHI: Danish sixth seed Holger Rune wowed the spectators on Wimbledon's Court Three as he defeated Spain's Roberto Carlos Baena on Friday, securing his spot in the third round of the tournament.
The charismatic 20-year-old showcased his exceptional shot-making skills en route to a 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory.
Rune's performance was nothing short of mesmerising, as he displayed his entire repertoire of silky shot-making. Despite facing a determined opponent, the Danish player managed to elevate his level of play and overcome service breaks in the opening set. Throughout the match, Rune was supported by an enthusiastic crowd, which provided him with tremendous encouragement.
Reflecting on his victory, Rune expressed his appreciation for the support he received from the fans.
"He made it very difficult and didn't give me anything for free, but I think I managed to raise my level, and towards the end, I got unbelievable support from the crowd," Rune stated on court. He further emphasised his enjoyment of engaging with the spectators and expressed his desire to continue bringing excitement to the tournament.
Rune's unique game style and relaxed demeanour have made him a favourite among young fans, who chanted "Ruuuuune" at regular intervals. In response to their support, Rune delivered exquisite winners and employed cunningly disguised drop shots to win numerous points.
Acknowledging the challenges of adapting to grass, Rune highlighted the beauty of the surface and expressed his love for playing on it, particularly when performing well. With his victory, Rune became only the fourth Dane to reach the men's third round at Wimbledon and the first in nearly 20 years.
(With inputs from Reuters)
