Novak Djokovic says Holger Rune reminds him of his younger version ahead of quarterfinal clash at Italian Open

Novak Djokovic will lock horns against Holger Rune in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open.

Novak Djokovic says Holger Rune reminds him of his younger version ahead of quarterfinal clash at Italian Open

Novak Djokovic & Holger Rune (Image Via user generated content)

Novak Djokovic will lock horns against Holger Rune in a blockbuster quarterfinal matchup at the 2023 Italian Open. The Serbian has been in great shape so far, as he outclassed Cameron Norrie in straight sets in the fourth round. The top seed waxed lyrical on Holger Rune ahead of their much-anticipated meeting.

Novak Djokovic stated that Holger Rune deserves to be ranked inside the top 10 ATP Rankings, given all his hard work over the last couple of years. The Serb also revealed that he gets along quite well with the youngster, and looks forward to their meeting on Wednesday.

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Holger Rune has been in great form during the clay court season. He managed to reach the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters and also defended his title in Munich last month. He defeated Alexei Popyrin in the third round in a tough three set encounter. He also defeated the likes of Fabio Fognini and Arthur Fils in the earlier rounds.

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Novak Djokovic anticipates a tough challenge from Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image Via user-generated content)

Djokovic claimed that Rune reminds him of his younger version. He believes that the Dane prodigy is really fit, and anticipates a physically draining encounter in the quarterfinals.

“He’s a top 10 player & deservedly so.. 1 of the hardest workers out there. Nice guy, I get along well with him. He reminds me of me a bit. The way he plays, he’s really fit.. I look forward to a challenge. It’s going to be a physical match,” said Rune.

The duo have clashed against each other on two occasions in the past, with the head-to-head being level at 1-1. Their last meeting came at the Paris Masters final last year, where Holger Rune got the better of the Serbian in three sets to capture his maiden Masters’ title.

Novak Djokovic has not played much tennis during the ongoing clay court season, however, he has improved with each passing match at the Italian Open. Despite Holger Rune’s red-hot form, Novak Djokovic enters the match as the slight favorite.

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