CNN
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Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the French Open took one other blow on Wednesday because the world No. 1 was crushed by Holger Rune within the Italian Open quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old Rune prevailed in moist situations as rain continues to have an effect on play in Rome, profitable 6-2 4-6 6-2 to earn his second consecutive victory over Djokovic after his win within the closing of November’s Paris Masters.
It will likely be the primary time since 2004 that neither Djokovic or Rafael Nadal will likely be within the closing of the Italian Open, in line with the ATP.
“It’s actually a giant win for me,” world No. 7 Rune advised the ATP Tour. “Clearly I did it final 12 months in Paris as nicely, however each match is a large problem for me after I play in opposition to Novak. He’s one of many biggest that’s ever performed the sport.
“I knew I needed to be at my greatest … and I used to be at present. I’m tremendous pleased with myself and I loved each second on the market. I keep humble after all. I’ve so much to realize. I feel it’s best to all the time be humble. I feel I’m, I hope so and I hope folks see me this fashion.
“I’m an enormous fighter on the courtroom and I depart all the things after I play my matches. I’m tremendous proud I used to be capable of get the victory at present. I needed to battle exhausting and play my greatest tennis. Enormous credit score to Novak, I’m a giant fan of his. He’s an enormous inspiration and I want him all the most effective.”
Defeat marks one other disappointing clay courtroom match for Djokovic, who has now didn’t advance previous the quarterfinals in his three occasions on the crimson floor forward of the French Open, which begins on Might 28.
The Serb, a six-time champion in Rome, additionally gave the impression to be struggling bodily throughout the match and required a medical timeout earlier than occurring to win the second set following a rain delay.
Djokovic was making his return to the courtroom following his absence from the latest Madrid Open because of an elbow harm and the 22-time grand slam champion nonetheless regarded nicely beneath his greatest.
Nonetheless, credit score should go to Rune for an excellent efficiency that may cement his place among the many title contenders at Roland Garros.
The Dane, showing in his first Italian Open, will play both Casper Ruud or Francisco Cerundolo within the semifinals because the 20-year-old goes searching for a second profession Masters 1000 title.
