Quarterfinal Upset: Brooksby Defeats Rune in Tokyo

Holger Rune loses to Jenson Brooksby in straight sets

Holger Rune loses to Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 6-3 in the Japan Open quarterfinals. Brooksby advances to face Taylor Fritz in the semifinals.

Holger Rune's match against Jenson Brooksby didn't go as planned. Despite being seeded third in the tournament...

Holger Rune's quarterfinal match at the Japan Open didn't go as planned. The Danish third seed suffered a disappointing 3-6, 3-6 loss to American Jenson Brooksby, ranked 86th in the world. Rune's string of unforced errors proved costly, allowing Brooksby to capitalize and secure the win.

Despite the loss, Brooksby expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that getting on a roll after a couple of matches allows him to get into his zone, which he believes is one of his biggest strengths. Brooksby will now face Taylor Fritz, who overcame Sebastian Korda 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, in the semifinals.

Holger Rune's match against Jenson Brooksby didn't go as planned. Despite being seeded third in the tournament, Rune lost to the American player, ranked 86th in the world, with a score of 3-6, 3-6. Brooksby's strong serving and volleying game proved to be a winning strategy, allowing him to capitalize on crucial points.

It was otherwise a match that Rune had every chance of winning, but he allowed himself to be beaten by adversity in both sets.

Rune was otherwise seeded third in the tournament and had the prospect of a semi-final against the American Taylor Fritz, but now it will be Brooksby who will meet his compatriot instead.

Rune otherwise seemed in great spirits from the start. He played his way to several early break points, but Brooksby was at his best when he was serving and volleying.

The momentum shifted in favor of Jenson Brooksby when Holger Rune made a series of costly mistakes. At 4-3 in the first set, Rune hit a smash into the net, giving Brooksby a break point opportunity. Rune then double faulted, allowing Brooksby to take the break and gain control of the set. Brooksby capitalized on the momentum, winning the next two games and securing the set 6-3.

Crucial Moments:

• Rune's Errors: Rune's unforced errors, including the smash into the net and double fault, gave Brooksby the opportunity to break and take the set.

• Brooksby's Confidence Boost: The break seemed to give Brooksby confidence, allowing him to play more freely and secure the set with ease.

• Rune's Struggles: Rune struggled to regain his footing after the break, ultimately losing the set and setting himself up for a tough challenge in the second set.

Holger Rune found his footing in the second set, managing to break Brooksby's serve to take a 2-1 lead. However, he struggled to maintain his momentum, allowing Brooksby to turn the tables and take a 5-3 lead. Rune appeared frustrated, frequently complaining to his team, which included coach Lars Christensen and his mother, Aneke Rune.

Despite Rune's efforts to break back and make it 4-5, Brooksby held his nerve and saved the opportunity. Brooksby then secured the win on his first match point, closing out the match 6-3, 6-3. Rune's inability to hold onto his break ultimately cost him the match, handing Brooksby a spot in the semifinals against Taylor Fritz.

Brooksby reaches 10th ATP semi-final 🔟

A 6-3 6-3 win over Rune sends him into an all-American clash vs Fritz in Tokyo!#kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/OHWO9DXlsG

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 28, 2025

Key Moments in the Match:

• Early Break Points: Rune created several break point opportunities early in the match but failed to capitalize on them.

• Brooksby's Strong Serving: Brooksby's effective serving and volleying allowed him to hold his serves and take control of the sets.

• Rune's Struggles: Despite his best efforts, Rune struggled to overcome the adversity in both sets, ultimately losing the match in straight sets.

With this loss, Rune's potential semi-final match against Taylor Fritz won't happen. Instead, Brooksby will face off against his fellow American in the next round. Despite the disappointing outcome, Rune seemed to be in good spirits at the start of the match, but Brooksby's strong performance ultimately led to his victory.