Rune, Energized by Rivalry with Djokovic | ATP Tour

Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic played another epic three-set showdown on Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals, where the Serbian prevailed to move 3-2 in their joint Lexus ATP Head2Head series. It is the fourth consecutive time that the pair’s matches have ended in decisive sets, and the fifth time in which Rune has won at least one set.

Despite his defeat, Rune was proud of how he fought again against the world No. 1.

“We’ve always had great games when we play,” Rune said. “Unfortunately I couldn’t do it today, but that’s the way it is. I have to look forward and take the things from the game that I was happy with, take the things from the game that I wasn’t happy with and go back to practice tomorrow and try to improve them.”

“I think it was a higher level match than the one in Paris, that makes me happy,” added Rune, who lost in three sets to Djokovic at the French Masters 1000 earlier this month. “The result was quite similar. “Novak is an incredible player.”

Rune, making his debut at the prestigious year-end event, put Djokovic under heavy pressure during the three-hour, four-minute clash before falling short. The 20-year-old is pleased with how he handled the physical aspect of the match.

“I think physically I felt good. Of course I’m sorry [el desgaste]. Let’s play [durante] three hours. But I’m sure he felt it a little bit too,” Rune said. “He was ready, if he had the opportunity, from 5-3 to 5-4 to move forward, but that didn’t happen. “I think I tried to manage my energy as best as possible during the match, not use too much unnecessary energy, stay calm and play the tennis I like to play.”

Watching from Rune’s box was coach Boris Becker, who had a successful time working with Djokovic from 2014 to 2016. The Dane is happy to work with the German.

“It’s great. He is very good. He’s been there many, many times, which helps,” Rune said. “He can share his experience, give me information on how to handle things on and off the court. “We are still in the tournament, so let’s keep fighting.”