Holger Rune sent an off-colour Novak Djokovic tumbling out of the Italian Open on Wednesday as the talented Dane prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in an epic battle against the defending champion to secure his place in the semi-finals.
Rune outlasted Djokovic in three sets in last year’s Paris Masters final and the 20-year-old got off to the perfect start in search of another upset by breaking the world No 1 in the opening game of the match.
The seventh seed showcased his aggressive style and mixed up his game with some delicate drops to race ahead 4-1 as Djokovic looked uncomfortable in between points having admitted a day earlier that he was dealing with a physical issue.
Rune squandered a late break-point opportunity but the fast-fading Djokovic could not prevent him from closing out the first set as some sections of the crowd appeared to be in disbelief over the six-time champion’s struggles.
Djokovic took a painkiller midway through the second set and the 35-year-old roared back to life a short while later to go up 5-2 following a break and a hold, as Rune completely lost his cool over a line call by the chair umpire.
Rune, who launched an expletive-laden rant while receiving treatment for a right leg problem, responded with a break of his own but went on to surrender the set following a lengthy break in play due to rain. Djokovic also remonstrated with the umpire during a tense encounter in Rome.
Ferocious hitting from both players marked the start of the decider but a dominant Rune pounced on Djokovic’s serve en route to a 4-0 lead and completed a famous win on his own delivery during a rare spell of sunshine.
“It’s really a big win for me,” Rune said afterwards. “Obviously, I did it last year in Paris, but every match is a huge challenge when I play Novak. He’s one of the greatest to ever play the game so I knew I had to be at my best. I’m super proud of myself and I enjoyed every moment out there.”
Djokovic will relinquish the top ranking to Carlos Alcaraz at the upcoming French Open. The Serb will look to claim a men’s record 23rd grand slam title at Roland Garros, having gone level with Rafael Nadal by winning the Australian Open.
Last year’s French Open runner-up, Casper Ruud, will take on Francisco Cerúndolo in another quarter-final later on Wednesday, with the winner meeting Rune in the semi-finals.