Teenage sensation Holger Rune outmuscled world No.4 and last year’s French Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Monday to move into the quarter-finals.
The Dane, who has improved more than 350 places in the world rankings in the past 15 months, joins fellow 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight, the first time two teenagers have made it so far at a grand slam since 1994.
Holger Rune after upsetting Stefanos Tsitsipas.Credit:Getty Images
“I have an unbelievable feeling. I was so nervous in the end,” said a beaming Rune, playing in his first French Open. “I was very nervous. I told myself to keep at it and play my plan. I mean it is so great to still be here.
“Part of the tactic to play as aggressive as possible when he gets shorter balls he attacks them. I really liked playing the drop shots and it worked out pretty good, so I am happy.”
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In the earlier game, eighth seed Casper Ruud reached his maiden grand slam quarter-final when he downed Hubert Hurkacz 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
Ruud will now face Rune on Wednesday.
“It feels great, it was one of my goals this year. I feel more experienced playing best of five sets,” said Ruud, the first Norwegian in the last eight at Roland Garros.
“Hubert has improved a lot on clay, he has become a dangerous player on all surfaces; he has a dangerous serve, but I did well at returning it today.”
