Holger Rune showcased his grit and determination in a rollercoaster third-round victory at the Australian Open, defeating Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 6-7, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a three-hour-and-27-minute marathon. The Danish star, seeded 13th, clawed back from the brink of elimination to advance to the fourth round, where he will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a highly anticipated showdown.
A match of twists and turns
Rune’s path to victory was anything but straightforward. Trailing two sets to one and 4-2 in the fourth set, the 21-year-old found himself on the verge of defeat. However, Rune stormed back by winning four consecutive games to force a decider and ultimately overpowered Kecmanovic in the final stages.
Rune’s aggressive style was on full display as he hammered 83 winners and committed 55 unforced errors, taking the game to his opponent in every rally. Despite Kecmanovic’s composed performance, which included 45 winners and only 26 unforced errors, the Serb faltered in crucial moments, allowing Rune to seize control.
Key moments in the battle
- First Set Drama: Rune broke for a 3-2 lead but lost the advantage after failing to consolidate. Kecmanovic dominated the tie-break, securing it 7-6 with a blistering forehand drive-volley.
- Rune Strikes Back: In the second set, Rune’s forehand dictated the pace, giving him an early break and a commanding 5-3 lead. A clutch ace on set point leveled the match.
- Costly Mistakes: Rune double-faulted on a set point in the third, handing the Serb a 2-1 lead.
- Turning Point: Down 4-2 in the fourth, Rune broke back with a stunning backhand and reeled off four games to force a fifth set.
- Final Push: The deciding set saw Rune stay calm under pressure. A crucial break at 4-4 gave him the edge, and a crosscourt forehand winner sealed the deal.
“Knocking on the exit door but escaping!”
Rune acknowledged the challenge after the match, saying, “Miomir pushed me to my limits today. I had to stay aggressive, trust my game, and keep fighting until the end.”
Kecmanovic, who fought valiantly, will lament missed opportunities, particularly his inability to close out the fourth set when in control.
Sinner showdown awaits
Rune’s reward for his thrilling victory is a fourth-round clash with Jannik Sinner, the reigning world No. 1. The two rising stars are expected to deliver fireworks in a battle that could define the tournament’s latter stages.
