ATP Munich: Holger Rune and the power of the Wiener Schnitzel
Holger Rune and Munich remains a combination that works. For the second time in a row, the Dane stormed into the final of the ATP Tour 250 tournament at the MTTC Iphitos without losing a set. In a sunny 20 degrees on a packed center court at the MTTC Iphitos, the number 1 of the tournament defeated the Australian Christopher O'Connell 6:3, 6:2 on Saturday afternoon.
by Florian Heer
last edit:
Apr 22, 2023, 05:47 pm
By Florian Heer from Munich
Although Rune was quite challenged when he served and had to fend off eight breakballs, he always solved the challenges with flying colors and was effective himself by taking his opponent's serve a total of three times.
"It was a solid match from start to finish. It's tricky to play against him but I've had a great run so far this week. Despite that I had to give 100 per cent and I'm very happy with the level I was able to pull off today" , said Rune after his almost one and a half hour game.
Rune: The focus is on improvement
"I go into every match with the goal of getting better," added number 7 in the ATP world rankings. "So far I've been able to do this well. Today the focus was on my serve and return. That went very well. I got some breaks and was solid in my own service games. That's a good sign. I am very happy."
Even small discrepancies on the pitch don't seem to throw the teenager out of rhythm. When there was some discussion with the referee in the seventh game of the first set, a small issue was quickly resolved. “There was a cameraman standing directly in line of sight of my team and I asked him to change his position a bit, which he did. Everything was fine again," Rune explained at his press conference.
Strengthened with Wiener Schnitzel
In the Bavarian state capital, the Northern Lights feel right at home anyway, although they don't seem to have found a real favorite spot yet. "I enjoy my Wiener Schnitzel in the hotel every evening," announced the 19-year-old with a big smile on his face.
"I just do my thing. It's very peaceful and quiet here. I like the conditions on the facility, which is not far from the hotel. It's just a beautiful moment for me."
New edition of the final in Munich
An old friend awaits Rune in tomorrow's endgame. Last year's finalist Botic van de Zandschulp defeated the number two American Taylor Fritz in the second semi-final 6:4, 7:6 (2) after an hour and 48 minutes of play.
It only remains to be hoped that the winner of the new edition of the championship match will also be determined by sport this time. In 2022, the Dutchman had to retire after the seventh game in the first set due to illness.
"It was an unfortunate ending that led to my first ATP title," Rune recalled. "It was also quite tough for Botic as he was also in his first final. I hope for a full match tomorrow.”
Here is the individual tableau in Munich
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