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Holger Rune advances in Madrid | ATP Tour


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Match Report

Rune battles back to survive Navone scare in Madrid, Zverev advances

Humbert, Struff set third-round clash

April 26, 2024

Holger Rune is looking to work his way back inside the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings this fortnight in Madrid.
By ATP Staff

Holger Rune battled back from the brink on Friday at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he rallied from a set and a break down to overcome Argentine Mariano Navone 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 in a Madrid thriller.

The Dane trailed 5-7, 5-6 and was just two points from defeat in the second set. However, from 30/15 up, Navone hit two costly double faults, before Rune converted on his break point chance to level and force a tie-break. The 20-year-old upped his aggression in the tie-break, taking large cuts to level.

Rune then recovered from a dip from 5-1 up in the third set. After Navone closed to 4-5, the four-time tour-level titlist held firm on serve, saving a break point before eventually sealing victory on his fifth match point after two hours and 59 minutes.

Rune, who struck 38 winners, according to Infosys ATP Stats, let out a roar after sealing victory with a volley winner, taking in the embrace from the crowd.

The No. 12 player in the PIF ATP Rankings is 18-9 on the season. Rune has reached the final at the clay-court ATP Masters 1000 events in Monte-Carlo and Rome. He will continue the quest for his first trophy of the season in the third round against Tallon Griekspoor after the Dutchman beat Taro Daniel 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Navone reached tour-level finals on clay in Rio de Janeiro and Bucharest earlier this season and was competing at a career-high No. 41 this week. The 23-year-old played with confidence and quality against the Dane, showing great heart to save four match points before ultimately falling short.