Holger Rune expects a “problem-free” French Open quarterfinal against Casper Ruud, hopes not to repeat last year’s feud

In the quarterfinal in the same tournament, the tensions were high as both players were also playing their first Grand Slam quarterfinal.


Holger Rune expects a “problem-free” French Open quarterfinal against Casper Ruud, hopes not to repeat last year’s feud

Holger Rune, Casper Ruud (Image via Twitter)

Holger Rune is having a dream run at the 2023 French Open. He has advanced to the quarter-final and will lock horns with 4th-seed Casper Ruud on Wednesday, June 7. While Rune ousted Francisco Cerundolo in the previous round, the Norwegian knocked out Nicolas Jarry in the third round. But the 6th-seed’s feud with Ruud last year has not been forgotten and Rune is expecting nothing of that drama to happen this year.

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So, what happened last year between Ruud and Rune? In the quarterfinal in the same tournament, the tensions were high as both players were also playing their first Grand Slam quarterfinal. After both the player secured a set each, they played the next one but when Ruud clinched the third set, Rune, clearly frustrated, screamed at his mother and asked her to leave the stadium.

It was the Norwegian who secured the win 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3 and advanced to the semi-final as well as the final but his dream to lift his maiden Grand Slam was shattered by Spanish legend Rafael Nadal who lifted his record 14th Roland Garros titles. But even before the win, Rune challenged a controversial match point and also gave an icy handshake post the match.

This spat continued beyond that match as Rune claimed Ruud screamed “Ja” in his face in the locker room and their families also got involved as each defended their child.“Yes, there was a bit of drama and controversy last year and I hope we can do less this year (smiles),” Rune said at the press conference ahead of the match.

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“We faced each other this year in Rome. It was a good game, I think. He’s a good player. I respect him. There is no problem. We are two good players. It should be a problem-free match, I hope. I cannot wait to be there. You know, I lost that year. And it will be the same scenario this year when we will play each other in the quarter-finals, maybe at night, maybe not. We will see. Hopefully, I can turn things around and make it different this year.”

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Holger Rune vs Casper Ruud head-to-head record

casper rudd vs holger rune
Casper Rudd vs Holger Rune

Talking about Holger Rune’s French Open campaign, he overcame the likes of Francisco Cerundolo, Genaro Alberto Olivieri, Gael Monfils (Walkover), and Christopher Eubanks. His victory over Cerundolo helped him improve to 30-10 on the year and 7-1 at French Open.

On the other hand, Ruud knocked out Nicolas Jarry, Zhang Zhizhen, Giulio Zeppieri, and Elias Ymer in the previous rounds. He is 20-11 on the season and 17-5 at French Open.

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And about their head-to-head clash, it’s Ruud who leads it 4-1 in their five encounters. The Dane won their last clash in the Rome semi-finals three weeks ago. The winner of the match will face either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Alexander Zverev.

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