Tsitsipas was in the final of a grand slam for the first time in Paris last year, in which Novak Djokovic proved too strong for the young Greek in five sets. Tsitsipas has also been in a semifinal four times, including twice at the Australian Open.
Holger Vitus Nødskov Rune takes part in a grand slam for the third time. He was eliminated in the first round at the US Open last year and the Australian Open early this year. He is now making a big impression in Paris. Last week he defeated Denis Shapovalov, Henri Laaksonen and Hugo Gaston in three sets. Rune won his first major tournament early this month. In the final of the ATP tournament in Munich, his Dutch opponent Botic van de Zandschulp had to give up with breathing problems.
Ruud led 5-2 in the fourth set this afternoon and then got the tension when he was able to finish the match, but in the end the young Dane succeeded and sent Tsitsipas home in four sets. “This feels incredible. I was so nervous at the end, but the audience supported me and dragged me through it. You are really amazing,” said Rune in his interview shortly after his victory over Tsitsipas.
The teen was clearly also a little nervous during the interview, but was grateful for the support. ,,It is so surreal to be here and to play against top players. I hope to be able to stay here as long as possible,” said Rune, who will now play against Norwegian Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals. Earlier in the day, the 23-year-old Norwegian won in four sets against Hubert Hurkacz from Poland. , “It’s great that my mother is here. I am grateful to all my team for their support over the years, this is a nice reward for all our work.”
On Sunday evening, Carlos Alcaraz, Rune’s Spanish peer, already qualified for the quarterfinals in which he will meet Alexander Zverev. The other quarterfinal on the right side of the men’s schedule is between Andrej Rublev and Marin Cilic. Jannik Sinner had to give up against Rublev in the third set (1-6, 6-4, 2-0 behind) with an injury. Cilic won very convincingly against Daniil Medvedev in three sets: 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.
The evening party at the Court Philippe-Chatrier lasted only an hour and 45 minutes. Cilic played with conviction, dominated the swings with aggressive tennis and didn’t allow a single breakpoint. The number 23 in the world recorded no fewer than 33 winners. ,,It was a fantastic game from the first to the last point. Maybe it was one of the best matches of my career,” said the winner afterwards.
Tomorrow the quarterfinals for the men start, with in the evening the smasher between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who will face each other for the 59th time.