Djokovic eliminated by Rune at Rome Masters

Italy's Novak Djokovic lost to Holger Rune 2-6, 6-4, 2-6 in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters on May 17.

For the second time in a row, Djokovic was turned into a former champion by the young Danish talent. After defeating Nole in the Paris Masters final last year, Rune continued to defeat his senior in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Rome Masters with a convincing performance. For the first time since 2004, the Rome Masters final will be without both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic (right) congratulated Rune after the Rome Masters quarter-final on May 17. Photo: ATP — Djokovic (right) congratulated Rune after the Rome Masters quarter-final on May 17. Photo: *ATP*

Rune started better and won the game early with a backhand winner. Djokovic also had break points after that, but missed them all. The world number one was not in the best form, often making mistakes at the back of the court as well as dropping points. Nole lost another service game, before losing the first set 2-6.

The game turned around in the second set after a controversial incident. When Rune was leading 40-30 in the service game, the umpire judged the ball in the court from Djokovic's return. Rune was very close to the ball and thought it was out. The umpire stood by his decision, awarding Djokovic the point, which frustrated Rune. The 20-year-old then lost his service game and trailed 2-4.

Despite winning the return game and reducing the score to 4-5, Rune still lost the second set. The Dane was down 0-30 in the deciding game, and when play resumed after the rain, Djokovic won two points in a row to close out the set.

But Nole could not maintain the momentum. He lost the first four games of the third set, before losing 2-6, 6-4, 2-6 to his 16-year-old opponent. "I know I can play better," Djokovic shared after the match. "I definitely want to see different aspects of my current tennis and be 100% fit. I still feel like I can beat anyone at a Grand Slam, in five sets."

Djokovic also admitted that his opponent Rune deserved to win, praising his junior for moving quickly, keeping his composure and having good reading skills. Rune will meet Casper Ruud in the semi-finals, a repeat of their meeting in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros last year.

Djokovic eliminated by Rune at Rome Masters — Djokovic - Rune match on May 17.

Djokovic will lose his world number one ranking after the Rome Masters and enter Roland Garros as the second seed. Defending Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal will hold an online press conference at 10pm today (Hanoi time) to announce whether he will participate in the clay Grand Slam or not. The Spaniard has not played a match since the Australian Open.

Vy Anh

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