Holger Rune says he has no issue with playing on smaller courts at Grand Slams after crashing out in the first round of the US Open on Monday.
The fourth seed suffered a surprise 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, loss to Roberto Carballes Baena who had never beaten a top 10 player until now. Rune appeared to be far from his best and took a medical time-out during the third set for treatment on his left leg. Coming into the New York major, he retired from his opening match at the Cincinnati Masters after undergoing treatment on his back.
“It’s a disappointing day. I had a setback after the tournaments in Toronto and Cincy where I had to retire. Not the best preparation I had,” said Rune.
“So it’s tough, you know, what to believe before you enter big tournaments like this. Not satisfied with the result obviously, but also with my tennis. There is only one way, and it’s to work.”
Leading up to his clash with Baena, the Dane hit out at US Open organizers after they decided to schedule his match on Court Five instead of one of the premier courts. Speaking to TV2, the world No.4 suggested that a duo of ATP managers have ‘something against him’ without elaborating further. Last Friday when he learned where he would be playing, he posted a map on his Twitter account so fans could find where he was playing.
Despite voicing his frustration with the scheduling, Rune has dismissed that it played any factor in his latest defeat. It is the first time he has lost his opening match at a major this year. At the Australian Open, he reached the fourth round before making it to the quarter-finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon.
“It’s not difficult, but it’s different. You’re more close to all the people. It’s a nice atmosphere. It’s no problem with the court. I just didn’t expect to play on that court.” He explained.
“I feel like it’s normal. I mean, the better you get in the rankings, you should get to play in better conditions. So I think that’s a normal way and it’s also how ATP, like, it’s how they do with all the players. But they didn’t do it with me here.”
“That’s obviously disappointing, but not going to blame the court for the loss. He (Baena) played very, very solid. Credit to him.”
Rune did try to seek an explanation from the US Open as to why was scheduled to play on a smaller court given that he was the fourth seed in the men’s draw. However, he was far from satisfied with their response.
“They said what we all know, that they put the Americans on the big courts, which is fine. I’m used to playing a lot in France where they do that. So I respect that 100%.” He said.
“That’s not only the case here, that it’s only Americans playing on the big courts. That card didn’t really work. Then you try to ask more questions and they don’t answer you. It’s a little bit tough.”
It is the second year in a row that the men’s fourth seed has lost his opening match at the US Open. 12 months ago Stefanos Tsitsipas was stunned in the first round by Daniel Elahi Galan.
