Holger Rune continued his good form on Sunday, defeating Ugo Humbert in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters third round.
Rune, who has struggled for form in recent months, comfortably swept aside the Frenchman, winning the contest 6-4, 6-4.
The Dane has long been considered a potential rival to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. However, he has so far failed to live up to his billing.
Conversely, Rune has maintained his position in the ATP top 10 throughout 2025, and has now forced himself into a discussion alongside both Alcaraz and Sinner.
Holger Rune has reached the round of 16 stage at Masters 1000 events on 15 occasions
Holger Rune’s most recent victory has maintained his status as one of the most promising talents on the ATP Tour.
When Rune is at his best, there are few who match up well against his high-velocity, high-energy game style.
As per OptaAce, Holger Rune has reached the third-most rounds of 16 in ATP Masters 1000 events of all players born after the year 2000.
Only two players born since 2000 have reached more rounds of 16 at Masters 1000 events than Holger Rune: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz has reached 21, while Sinner leads the way on 26.
Jannik Sinner will attempt to reach the round of 16 when he plays Tallon Griekspoor on Sunday. Alcaraz is absent from the tournament: he announced his withdrawal from Shanghai immediately after capturing his first Japan Open title.
Holger Rune faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the next round
Holger Rune faces a big test in the Shanghai Masters round of 16.
The Dane will face Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who defeated Taylor Fritz in the round of 32.
The pair have played each other twice before, each winning one match. The Frenchman won their first contest at the Basel Open in 2024, defeating Rune 7-6, 6-4 in the semi-finals.
Rune avenged this loss at the 2025 Canadian Open, defeating Mpetshi Perricard 7-6, 6-3.
Jannik Sinner (26) and Carlos Alcaraz (21).
