'It felt good' - Fit again Holger Rune stuns Felix Auger-Aliassime in China Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas crashes out
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Updated 29/09/2023 at 22:31 GMT
Holger Rune hadn't won a match since Wimbledon and had been missing from action since August with a back injury, but the 20-year-old returned to winning ways in style by knocking out the world No. 15 Felix Auger-Aliassime to secure his place in the last 16 of the China Open. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out 6-4 6-4 to Chile’s Nicolas Jarry, and Daniil Medvedev also advanced.
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Holger Rune returned to winning ways to advance in the China Open by eliminating Felix Auger-Aliassime in Beijing.
The 20-year-old looked in fine fettle to emerge victorious 6-4 6-4 against his Canadian opponent in one hour and 24 minutes, sealing his place in the last 16.
Recording his first triumph since Wimbledon, Rune – who had been out of action since August because of a back injury – couldn’t hide his delight after taking the victory over the world No. 15.
“It felt good. I’ve had a tough period, both with my body and match circumstances, so I’m just happy to be back feeling good,” said Rune, who only needed a single break in each set to progress.
“Feeling mentally well on and off the court. I’m just super happy with my level today.
“I was feeling very good. I didn’t feel anything in my body. This is good. I don’t mind muscle soreness, but I’m too young to have these kinds of problems, so it’s good to feel good out there.
“I’m feeling healthy, taking care of my body and I’m super happy to play without pain and just enjoy myself.”
Meanwhile, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out 6-4 6-4 to Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in 91 minutes.
It was another disappointing outcome for Tsitsipas, who had admitted that he was “not good enough” in his second-round defeat to Dominic Stricker at the US Open earlier this month.
Jarry will meet Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the next round.
Eighth seed Alexander Zverev built on his Chengdu Open success with a 6-7(2) 6-1 6-4 win over Diego Schwartzman 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-4.
World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev bounced back in style after his US Open final defeat to Novak Djokovic as he cruised past Tommy Paul 6-2 6-1.
“It’s not easy for both of us. Both of us a little jet lagged. Him maybe more, coming from Vancouver,” said Medvedev.
“Maybe that made the difference, but if I think only about myself, I’m happy with my level.
“I played great. The start of the match was not easy, but it’s never easy first round, especially in another part of the world. Then I was playing better and better during the match, so I’m happy about my level.”
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