Shanghai Masters: Rune Edges Humbert Despite Heat Struggles

Holger Rune battles through heat exhaustion to beat Humbert

Holger Rune's defeat Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters campaign. He survives a heat scare as he beats Ugo Humbert despite struggling with exhaustion.

Ugo Humbert struggled to find his rhythm at the start of the match, committing uncharacteristic errors...

Holger Rune battled through heat exhaustion to secure a 6-4, 6-4 win over France's Ugo Humbert in the Shanghai Masters 1000 third-round match. The Danish tennis star, ranked 11th in the world, seemed to struggle with the sweltering heat, particularly at 4-3 in the first set when he required medical attention. Despite his discomfort, Rune managed to hold his serve and take the set. He then broke Humbert early in the second set and maintained his lead to seal the victory.

The sweltering heat and powerful serves from both players hindered the match's rhythm, leading to short rallies and frequent breaks. Despite the challenging conditions, Holger Rune started strong, dominating the early stages of the first set without appearing to be affected by the heat. He quickly built a 4-1 lead, showcasing his skill and composure.

Overcoming adversity 💪

After struggling with the heat Holger Rune comes through 6-4 6-4 over Ugo Humbert 🤝#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/aVris3qqAH

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 5, 2025

However, Rune's momentum shifted dramatically when he was forced to take a medical timeout. After the break, his game seemed to unravel, and he struggled to regain his earlier form. The timeout appeared to disrupt his flow, allowing his opponent to capitalize on the opportunity and mount a comeback.

During the medical timeout, Holger Rune sought relief from the intense heat, steaming off in the shade without a shirt while medical staff attended to him. They took his blood pressure, and Rune also requested ice to help lower his body temperature. Despite the setback, he showed his quality upon returning to the court.

After the break, Rune demonstrated his higher level of play compared to Humbert's. He efficiently wrapped up the first set, showcasing his skill and composure. The break between sets also gave him a chance to cool off in the locker room, potentially helping him manage the heat better as the match progressed.

Ugo Humbert struggled to find his rhythm at the start of the match, committing uncharacteristic errors, including a blatant smash out of bounds that handed Holger Rune a crucial break. This break proved decisive in the first set, as neither player faced significant challenges holding their serve. Rune capitalized on Humbert's mistake, securing a 6-4 lead in the opening set.

Rune continued his strong form into the second set, breaking Humbert early and maintaining his advantage. Despite Humbert's valiant efforts, Rune's consistent play ultimately paid off, earning him a 6-4, 6-4 victory. This win marks Rune's fifth consecutive triumph over Humbert, solidifying his dominance in their head-to-head matchups.

What's Next for Rune?

With his win, Rune advances to the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters, where he'll face either Taylor Fritz or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The match between Fritz and Perricard is scheduled to take place later on Sunday, and the winner will proceed to face Rune in the next round.