“Rafa is here,” Humble Holger Rune refuses to be called seed No.1 in Brisbane with ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal in draw

Holger Rune provided a classy reply when informed that he was the top seed of the tournament.

“Rafa is here,” Humble Holger Rune refuses to be called seed No.1 in Brisbane with ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal in draw

Rafael Nadal and Holger Rune (image via: Tennishead.com)

Holger Rune has had a superb season in 2023, as the Danish player ended the year as World No. 4. And that’s exactly how the tennis professional has started his 2024 journey. Rune has started in blistering fashion at the Brisbane International, showing the best tennis. 

The Danish player defeated James Duckworth in the quarterfinals of the tournament to book a place in the semis of the Brisbane International. He beat Duckworth in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6, to continue his good run.

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During the post-match interview, he was informed that he had been seeded first at five tournaments.

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When you step on court you don’t really think about it. It’s a nice feeling… Obviously, it’s tough to call me the 1st seed when Rafa is here.
To this Rune replied

It was a very classy reply from the youngster, and fans have been appreciative of him on social media handles. Rafael Nadal will be up against Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

The reply shows the respect that Rune has for a senior veteran like Nadal. Rune will next face Roman Safiullin in the semis to book a match for the championship. Both Rune and Nadal can come face-to-face only in the final of the tournament, and fans will be hoping to see a clash between the two.

Things are getting well poised in the Brisbane International as Holger Rune advances to the semis

As things get closer to the business end of the tournament, things are getting more interesting at the Brisbane International. With Rune advancing to the semis, it will be a very good chance for him to take a shot at the trophy. 

Holger Rune
Holger Rune (Image via: Firstssportz)

It’s true that as long as a player of Rafa’s stature is in the draw, it will be hard to call Rune a favorite. But it should be remembered that the Spaniard is coming after an injury and has not been tested against a top-10-ranked player upon his comeback.

If Nadal qualifies for the semis he will be up against Gregor Dimitrov. The American is in very good form and has defeated Andy Murray in straight sets in the Round of 32.

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