“Worst way to win a final” Holger Rune wins his first ATP title by clinching the 2022 Munich Open

Holger Rune wins his first ATP title

Holger Rune, the Danish number 1 is an impressive young talent. His prowess is only overshadowed by the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and his incredible feats. Rune made up for some of that with his maiden ATP title victory in Munich. Rune won his first title, but he was disappointed with the way he won. His opponent Botic van de Zandschulp retired at 4-3 handing the win to the young star. Both Rune and van de Zandschulp were in their first ATP final in 2022 Munich Open.

Not how he wanted it to end ?

Van de Zandschulp is forced to retire at 4-3 in the @BMWOpen2022 final for @holgerrune2003 to claim his first ATP title! pic.twitter.com/XWd8wokhoQ
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 1, 2022

Nevertheless, despite the disappointing way to winning the final, Holger had performed admirably the whole tournament to defeat the World number 3, Alexander Zverev in straight sets in front of the German’s home crowd. There was little doubt about his victory with the kind of performance Rune was putting up. This is just a start for the young gun. With this title win, Rune became the third-youngest player to win the title in Munich in the Open era, just a few days after his 19th birthday.

Celebrating his birthday in style ?

Having turned 19 on Friday, @holgerrune2003 becomes the third youngest Munich champion in the Open Era! pic.twitter.com/G9HbJ8nwCz
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 1, 2022

Holger Rune gets his first ATP title

The final was a thrilling affair with both the players putting on a show in their first ATP final. Botic then took a medical timeout that lasted more than 15 minutes, which was unusual. He later returned to play a few points before retiring. He did not stay for the trophy presentation and was seen leaving with ambulance personnel. van de Zandschulp retired at a 4-3 lead and Holger was crowned the winner in Munich.

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Rune was happy to have won, but there was something lacking and that was the feeling of emerging victorious after a fight to win the title. Rune said: “This was probably the worst way to win a final. I was expecting a tough fight, he came out very strong and then something happened to him. For now, I just wish him all the best and speedy recovery and hope to see him back on court very soon”

"This was probably the worst way to win a final" ?@holgerrune2003 wishing van de Zandschulp a speedy recovery ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MT7aDGLogt
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 1, 2022

That first title feeling ?@holgerrune2003 is the first Danish ATP Tour champion since Kenneth Carlsen in Memphis 2005! pic.twitter.com/unM5fzHMfM
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 1, 2022

Rune has his first scalp and the hunt for titles will continue for this young talent as he wants nothing short of becoming the number 1 ranked player in the world.