Webdesk: After being down a set and a break, Holger Rune defeated fourth seed Casper Ruud in the Italian Open semi-final.
The 20-year-old Dane defeated Ruud, who had reached the French Open final last year and two Rome semi-finals. Rune defeated Ruud for the first time in five clay matches.
Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas’ rain-interrupted match will determine Rune’s last opponent. After four-and-a-half hours of weather delays, the men’s semi-final continued. Due to fluctuating weather, Elena Rybakina and Anhelina Kalinina’s women’s final was questionable.
Rune said he relaxed when he thought he had lost. Fearless and forceful, he won. The young Dane was pleased with his improved play during the competition, especially in the last two rounds against top-ranked opponents.
Ruud won the first set after 69 minutes in a tiebreaker over Rune. Rune lost his serve in the second set and needed a medical timeout for his right shoulder. However, the break rejuvenated him as he levelled the match and won the third set in a light drizzle.
Rune will play in his ninth ATP final after winning Paris Bercy in November and finished second in Monte Carlo in April. Ruud acknowledged Rune’s aggressive play and promised to move on fast after losing.
Holger Rune’s comeback against Casper Ruud in the Italian Open semi-final has set up a thrilling final, with Rune hoping to win another title.
