Holger Rune stunned six-time champion Novak Djokovic in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday after coming from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.
Rune, 19, became the youngest winner of the Paris tournament since an 18-year-old Boris Becker in 1986.
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“It means everything to me, a perfect way to finish the week,” said Rune. “It’s a privilege to share the court with Novak.”
Congratulations @holgerrune2003 and to your team. As always, thank you Paris for an amazing experience! Merci beaucoup! 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/LJAQ4MBCl6
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 6, 2022
He defeated five top-10 players in as many days – the first to do so in the same tournament.
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The Dane moved past Hubert Hurkacz, Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach his first Masters 1000 final.
Those victories followed a thrilling first-round win in which he saved three match points against Stan Wawrinka, and Rune was delighted to have held his nerve in another nail-biting clash against Djokovic.
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*THAT* Djokovic vs Rune rally…
🤯 @DjokerNole @holgerrune2003 #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/PFoY1RkEso
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 6, 2022
The rousing performance in Paris has seen Rune rise to No 10 in the rankings and will serve as first alternate at the ATP Finals.
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Rune was playing in his fourth consecutive ATP Tour final and has now won 19 of his past 21 matches.
It is the first time Djokovic has lost in Masters 1000 final after winning the first set.
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Rune ability to compete against the Serbian’s renowned backhand was key to his remarkable final recovery.
The Dane struck 17 winners off that wing to Djokovic’s six in his two-hour, 33-minute victory.
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