Holger Rune Finds Rhythm in Marathon Match at Australian Open

Holger Rune overcame nerves and heat to defeat Zhizhen Zhang 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the Australian Open first round.

Holger Rune, the 13th seed, survived a thrilling five-set encounter against China's Zhizhen Zhang in the first round of the Australian Open. The 21-year-old Danish player emerged victorious, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, in a grueling match that lasted three hours and 10 minutes at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. Rune's triumph was marked by an impressive 62 winners, which ultimately proved decisive in securing his spot in the next round.

Rune acknowledged the intense nature of the match, saying, “It was an incredibly tough match. It got very close at the end. I'm super happy I got through. First win of the season, it's always a special feeling. Just super happy to be in the second round, hope I can keep it going.” Despite the challenges he faced, Rune expressed his satisfaction with the extended match time, which allowed him to establish a rhythm and fine-tune his game.

Rune surprisingly welcomed the lengthy match, stating, “I'm actually happy that it was a long match, with a lot of hard-hitting and baseline duels which allowed me to establish a rhythm. In a way, it's better than if I had won in one hour and ten minutes in three sets.” This sentiment reflects Rune's desire to gain more competitive experience, having played only one match leading up to the Australian Open.

Rune admitted to feeling tense during the initial stages of the match, which he lost 6-4. However, he managed to shake off his nerves and regain his composure, ultimately finding his stylish stride. This mental resilience proved crucial in Rune's hard-fought victory over Zhang.

Overall, Rune was happy with his tennis, citing his strong serving and returning as key factors. “I think I played good tennis. I served well and returned well. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon when you play games like this. So it also applies not to stress along the way,” he said. Rune's next challenge comes in the form of Italian opponent Matteo Berrettini in the second round, with the match expected to take place on Thursday morning.

Holger Rune admitted to feeling nervous during his first-round match at the Australian Open. “I was quite nervous, it was a bit hot, and the first round is always just a bit different,” he said. Despite his initial nerves, Rune settled into the match, which lasted over three hours.

Holger Rune survives in five! pic.twitter.com/3gLNMFGQLE

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 14, 2025

Rune expressed satisfaction with the physical and mental benefits of playing an extended match. “But I got to play a little over three hours. It felt good and I got the tension out of my body,” he said during the post-match press conference. Rune's performance at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne left him feeling pleased.

Overall, Rune was happy with his tennis, citing his strong serving and returning as key factors. “I think I played good tennis. I served well and returned well. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon when you play games like this. So it also applies not to stress along the way,” he said. Rune's next challenge comes in the form of Italian opponent Matteo Berrettini in the second round, with the match expected to take place on Thursday morning.