Novak Djokovic knows a fair amount about breaking records in tennis but it is the achievement of a 19-year-old Dane at the Paris Masters which has left him impressed.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion was denied a seventh title at the Masters 1000 tournament by Holger Rune who produced a stunning comeback to win the biggest title of his career to date. The match was an enthralling encounter with both players being pushed to their limits. Highlighted by a marathon final game that featured six deuces before Rune closed the match out.
Djokovic was visibly frustrated with his narrow defeat to the rising star which ends his run of 13 Tour wins. However, he gives credit to Rune who has become the first player outside of the Tour Finals to defeat five top-10 players within the same tournament since ATP records began in 1973.
“His fighting spirit,” Djokovic replied when asked what he found most impressive about playing Rune. “He also stayed composed mentally to the last shot. For somebody so young to show this composure and maturity in a big match like this is very impressive.’
“He’s had a week of his life, winning against five top-10 players, it’s quite Impressive.”
On Monday Rune will become the first-ever Danish player to make their top-10 debut in the Pepperstone ATP rankings. He will be one of two teenagers in the top 10 alongside world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz. To put this into perspective, the last time two teenagers were in the top group was in 2007 with Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Djokovic has now experienced what it is like to lose both rising stars after also falling to Alcaraz in an epic meeting at the Madrid Masters earlier this year.
“They are similar in terms of physicality. I think they are both really fit.” He commented on the teenage duo. “They train very hard. They are very dedicated guys. They defend extremely well.’
“Rune has a better backhand. Alcaraz has a better forehand. But they are both improving on those shots that maybe are not as good as maybe other shots.”
“They are very complete players for 19-year-olds. Also their energy on the court, just wanting, motivating themselves and wanting to do well and staying mentally present, it’s impressive.” He added.
There was a brief scare for the Djokovic camp during his latest match. He was seen stretching his right leg and underwent treatment midway through the third set but appeared to be moving without any restriction.
Questioned about his current fitness, the former world No.1 insisted that it was not an injury and the issue had no impact on the outcome of the match.
“It’s normal that when you play day after day and you have some tightness here and there, but I didn’t have an injury. I fought till the last moment. So it wasn’t for me.”
Djokovic will be looking to get back on track at the ATP Tour finals which will begin in a week. He initially qualified for this year’s event under the Grand Slam rule after winning Wimbledon. However, his run in Paris has moved him into an automatic qualifying spot. An impressive outcome for a player who missed two Grand Slams and a series of Masters tournaments after being unable to travel there due to his covid-19 vaccination status.
“I know that the conditions are different. The ball is flying more because of it’s altitude. It’s quite fast. You’ve got to serve well. I’ll be there some days before to train, and hopefully be at my best.” He said of the Tour finals.
Should he win in Turin, Djokovic will tie Roger Federer for most titles won at the event at six apiece.
