CNN
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Novak Djokovic preparations for the French Open suffered one other blow on Wednesday when the world No. 1 was crushed by Holger Rune within the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.
Rune, 20, prevailed in moist circumstances as rain continues to have an effect on play in Rome, successful 6-2 4-6 6-2 to say his second consecutive win over Djokovic following his victory within the Paris Masters closing of November
Will probably be the primary time since 2004 that neither Djokovic nor Rafael Nadal can be within the closing of the Italian Open, in line with the ATP.
“It is a huge win for me,” mentioned Rune, world No. 7 ATP Tour. “Clearly I did final 12 months in Paris as effectively, however each match is an enormous problem for me after I play towards Novak. He is top-of-the-line to ever play the sport.
“I knew I needed to be at my greatest… and I used to be right now. I am tremendous happy with myself and I’ve loved each second. I am nonetheless humble after all. I’ve obtained lots to realize. I believe it’s best to all the time be humble. I believe I am , I hope so and I hope folks see me that method.
“I am an important fighter on the courtroom and I depart every thing after I play my matches. I am tremendous proud that I used to be in a position to get the win right now. I needed to battle arduous and play my greatest tennis. Massive credit score to Novak, I am an enormous fan of his. He is a good inspiration and I want him all one of the best.”
The defeat marks one other disappointing clay match for Djokovic, who has now didn’t get previous the quarter-finals in his three occasions on the crimson floor forward of the French Open, which begins on Might 28.
The Serbian, a six-time champion in Rome, additionally gave the impression to be struggling bodily throughout the match and required a medical time-out earlier than successful the second set after a rain delay.
Djokovic was returning to the courtroom after his current absence Madrid Open attributable to an elbow damage and the 22-time Grand Slam champion nonetheless seemed effectively under his greatest.
Nevertheless, Rune’s credit score should go to a superb efficiency that may cement his place among the many Roland Garros title contenders.
The Dane, showing in his first Italian Open, will face both Casper Ruud or Francisco Cerundolo within the semi-finals because the 20-year-old goes in quest of a second Masters 1000 title of his profession.
