Holger Rune is having a Stockholm Open to remember and he believes he’s done something for the very first time at the tournament.
Rune suffered a shock at the Shanghai Masters, but he’s bouncing back with some impressive tennis at the Stockholm Open.
The World No. 11 has defeated Márton Fucsovics and Tomás Martín Etcheverry to confirm a place in the semi-final.
Against Etcheverry, Rune has revealed that he did something ‘wild’ that he’s never done before on a tennis court.
Holger Rune was amazed by his own shot at the Stockholm Open
Rune hit a sublime one-handed backhand down the line against Etcheverry while he was running at speed.
It was a terrific shot and Rune revealed that he doesn’t think he’s ever hit a shot like that before in his career.
Speaking about the one-handed backhand with The Tennis Weekly Podcast, the Dane said: “I was just talking with my team about it. I think it could be one of the best shots of the season, actually.”
“I think it was incredible,” added the World No. 11. “I’ve not hit a shot like that in my life, honestly. I was right down in the corner and five meters behind the back line, and the opportunity to win the point was like going for a completely crazy shot.”
The buzz from the shot was still not lost on the Dane well after the match had concluded and the star continued to watch it back in Stockholm.
“It’s very surprising that I hit it, because it could have just as easily been sitting up in the stands. I’ve already watched it again three times.”
“It was pretty wild. Really nice shot to hit, even though it’s not a shot that wins tennis matches. It’s the kind of shot that comes out when you enjoy playing, like I did today.”
Rune will play Ugo Humbert in the semi-finals of the Stockholm Open, a tournament he previously won in 2022.
How Holger Rune can crack the ATP Tour top 10 at the Stockholm Open
Rune looks like the most likely star to hijack the top eight of the ATP Tour rankings before the Finals in Turin.
The Dane has been lingering in the teens for much of the year, but his performances in Asia and now Stockholm have ensured he has a chance at returning at the top 10.
Rune needs to either win the tournament or stay in the competition longer than his Norwegian counterpart, Casper Ruud.
If the Scandinavian pair do make the final in Stockholm, Ruud might fancy his chances as he’s beaten Rune six out of their eight meetings.
