French Open: Holger Rune into fourth round with straight-sets victory over Genaro Alberto Olivieri
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ByEurosport
Updated 03/06/2023 at 17:27 GMT
Holger Rune has never reached a Grand Slam semi-final but he is bidding to break that duck at Roland-Garros and he remains on course having reached the fourth round of the French Open thanks to a straight-sets victory over Genaro Alberto Olivieri. Rune took a little while to get going having had a walkover in the previous match but once he got going he was very impressive.
Rune v Olivieri - French Open highlights
Holger Rune stormed into the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday thanks to a 6-4 6-1 6-3 straight-sets victory over Genaro Alberto Olivieri
Rune had the 2023 BMW Open to his name in the build-up to the tournament and impressed at the Rome Masters, where he beat Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.
The world No. 6 is one of the pre-tournament favourites after the absence of Rafael Nadal - who has undergone hip surgery in an attempt to return to fitness - and reached the third round after a win over Christopher Eubanks in the first round, and then being given a walkover due to Gael Monfils’ injury trouble.
That gave him three days off, while his Argentine rival had come through qualifying and went to five sets in both his last two matches.
Rune was able to edge his opponent in the first set to go 6-4 ahead and keep him on course for a straightforward tournament so far.
Olivieri showed understandable signs of fatigue and his lack of aggression cost him at times, with his more accomplished rival able to deal with most of the problems that were posed.
The Dane grew into the match in the second set and went 4-1 clear before wrapping it up 6-1, with Olivieri struggling, this being the first time he had ever reached the main draw of a Grand Slam.
Olivieri was able to hold his serve to move 5-3 behind to keep the match alive, but Rune served to love to wrap up a routine victory.
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'An amazing tournament' - Henman praises underdog Olivieri following Rune defeat
Speaking after his match, Rune said on court: “I played my first round on Tuesday and unfortunately I can’t play my second round against Gael Monfils. I wish him all the best, he’s an incredible player.
"Super happy with my win today, it was difficult. It was windy, and Olivieri played a good tournament, so I had to be sharp."
Addressing the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Rune said: “I love stepping out onto this court, it’s one of my favourites in the world. I played some of my best tennis here. Every chance I get to step out here and perform in front of a beautiful court, I’m going to fight until the end."
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'Well done' - Olivieri wins point after sublime drop shot against Rune
He explained he had played a practice match in order to stay sharp given his relative lack of action.
Rune said: “I played a practice match the day before yesterday to imitate [the match I missed]. I won. It’s nice to keep the rhythm, but it’s different to a proper match. I had to be sharp today, having to play my best. There are things to improve, but I’m happy to be in the fourth round with another great match coming.”
Aged just 20, Rune has earned himself an easy path through to the fourth round, and may be wondering if he needs to be tested further to play his best tennis in Paris.
He will face Francisco Cerundolo in the next round following his victory over Taylor Fritz in four sets.
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