Novak Djokovic (Serbia), ranked No. 1 in the men’s professional tennis (ATP) world ranking, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the BNL Italy International (total prize money of 7,705,780 euros) after losing two consecutive matches to Holger Rune (7th), a ‘divine’ of Denmark. .
Djokovic lost 1-2 (2-6 6-4 2-6) after 2 hours and 19 minutes to Rune in the men’s singles quarterfinals on the 8th day of the tournament held in Rome, Italy on the 17th (local time).
With this, Djokovic’s attempt to win this event for the second year in a row and the seventh in his career was stopped early.
Djokovic has not been able to lift the championship trophy since winning consecutively at the Adelaide and Australian Open earlier this year.
Djokovic will give up the first place to Carlos Alcaras (2nd, Spain) in the world rankings to be announced next week. Alkaras was eliminated in the third round of this tournament.
Rune [AFP=Yonhap News]
Rune, who defeated Djokovic in the메이저사이트 final of the Paris Masters in November last year and won the championship, recorded a streak of victories against Djokovic in six months, raising the value of his name.
Rune took a 2-1 lead against Djokovic.
Rune defeats Francisco Serundolo (31st, Argentina) 2-0 (7-6 <7-5> 6-4) and competes with Casper Ruud (4th place, Norway) to advance to the final.
Born in 2003 and 20 years old, Rune is 188cm tall and has a strong serve and good offensive return.
His fast-footed defense also has strengths, which shined against Djokovic. With his quick court cover, he turned the opponent’s decision ball to no avail several times to protect the veteran.
Ostapenko [AFP = Yonhap News]
When asked after the game if he had any advice for Rune, Djokovic praised him, saying, “I’ll have to ask Rune for a tip. He beat me twice. Rune is doing really well.”
Regarding giving Alkaras the No. 1 spot, he said: “A new generation is already here. Alkaras, who will be No. 1, is playing great tennis. It’s good for tennis to have new faces appear.”
In the women’s singles, Yelena Ostapenko (8th place, Latvia) defeated Paula Vadosa (35th place, Spain) 2-1 (6-2 4-6 6-3) and advanced to the semifinals.