Holger Rune reached the biggest semi-final of his career after fellow teenager Carlos Alcaraz retired injured from their Paris encounter.
The 19-year-old led 6-3 6-6 (3-1) before the world number one decided to call the match to a halt. He received treatment for an abdominal strain late on in the second set when he led 6-5.
Victory for Rune secured his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final and a career high ranking of 16. He will end the week ranked 11 in the world with a title.
‘I thought it was a great match. [It’s] unlucky for him,” said Rune. “I think we both played very well and I was super focused. It was an amazing crowd, amazing tennis, so I’m super pleased with how I handled everything today.
Rune dazzled throughout with his impressive shotmaking, and took a deserved break to go up 4-2 in set one after chasing down a drop volley from Alcaraz with a delicate forehand which landed on the baseline for a winner.
The Dane served the set out for 6-3, and while both players held serve before the 2nd set tiebreak, it was Rune who remained the most threatening.
Saturday will see a rematch of last Sunday’s final in Basel between Rune and Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian defeated Frances Tiafoe earlier today.
Rune is seeking a fifth consecutive final, while the Canadian is chasing a fourth title in four weeks. The 22-year-old is on a 16 match winning streak and defeated Rune in straight sets in Basel.
Alcaraz Doubtful for ATP Finals
Friday’s retirement puts the Spaniard’s hopes of making his debut at the ATP Finals in Turin in doubt. He said after the match ‘I’m gonna go back home and do the needed exams to see how bad the injury is. I was struggling today. There was no way I could continue.’
The US Open champion added ‘I cannot stretch. I mean, I couldn’t serve well. I couldn’t hit the forehand well. When I turn the body, I feel it. So I feel the abdominal in so many movements.’
Alcaraz is on course to end the year as world number one, but could be chased down by Rafael Nadal or Stefanos Tsitsipas over the coming weeks.
