Holger Rune’s mother says Stan Wawrinka would be an “uncommonly bad loser” if he did call her son a ‘baby’ following a close encounter in Paris


Holger Rune’s mother says Stan Wawrinka would be an “uncommonly bad loser” if he did call her son a ‘baby’ following a close encounter in Paris

(L) Holger Rune and Stan Wawrinka, (R) Aneke Rune, Holger's mother - IMAGO/ PanoramiC

World No. 18 Holger Rune got another good win as he overcame 3-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the first round of the 2022 Paris Masters. Wawrinka despite winning the first set could not hold on to his lead as Rune came out on top in the final set tiebreaker. Rune won the match 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3).

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While the game was a good exhibition for fans, things got a little ugly between the youngster and the veteran. Following the match point, the two met at the net where a cold exchange took place between the two. Wawrinka is believed to have said, “Stop acting like a baby on the court,” shocking Rune.

Rune was visibly taken aback by the former World No. 3’s response. He however did not retort anything leaving fans surprised as the newcomer has already been involved in a couple of altercations on the court. Rune’s mother and one of his coaches Aneke, has however spoken in her son’s defense.

“It is hard to imagine that a sportsman like Stan would have said that. Then he would come across as an uncommonly bad loser. Holger has only mentioned that he wished him well with the results of the past weeks,” said Aneke Rune as per journalist Adam Addicott.

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Holger Rune was fined for homophobic slurs in Biella Challenger

Holger Rune and Stan Wawrinka
Holger Rune and Stan Wawrinka

Rune has been known for a hot temperament and it has been on display multiple times during his short career. At the 2021 Biella Challenger, where he won his first Challenger title, Rune had been caught with homophobic slurs following his semi-final win.

Upon further investigation, Rune was fined by the ATP for his insensitive slurs and behavior. Having made his reputation so, he was in the spotlight once again this season at the 2022 French Open. At the Roland Garros, his altercation with eventual runner-up Casper Ruud got him in the discussions once again.

Rune had accused Ruud of taunting him in the locker room which was denied openly by the Norwegian calling Rune and his camp liars. This time, however, it was Wawrinka’s comments that dragged the teenager into the controversy to which he is yet to make a public comment.

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Wawrinka’s season has come to an end unless he decides to play the Challengers and exhibition events to prepare for the next season. As for Rune, he will now take on 10th-seeded Hubert Hurkacz.

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