Holger Rune has looked back on his crowd experience with Taylor Fritz at Indian Wells last year, after reaching the quarter-finals for a second consecutive year.
Rune has struggled with various illnesses since the Australian Open, forcing him to withdraw from the Rio Open and retire from the Mexican Open.
However, Rune has been able to overcome these illnesses in time for the sunshine double, beating the likes of Ugo Humbert and Dubai champion Tsitsipas to progress to the last-eight of Indian Wells once again.
The Dane has been producing some of his best tennis in California, with Rune hitting a potential shot of the year against Tsitsipas.
Holger Rune explains what the Indian Wells crowd did during his match against Taylor Fritz last year
This is the second year in a row that Rune has reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals, last year beating former champion Fritz to do so.
When asked about how he is received by the Indian Wells crowd as a Danish player, Rune looked back on that match and was very complimentary towards them.
“It’s great. I think I’ve received a lot of love and great support in this tournament,” Rune said in his press conference. “Even playing Fritz last year here, I remember it was a great atmosphere. Even for me, you know, playing a player that’s it’s his home court almost.
“I think the crowd is really respectful. They really support great tennis, and they are here for, yeah, for the good matches. You know, me, I try to give up a fight and do as good as possible. Definitely seeing Danish flag, as you say, and people from Denmark traveling here to watch me play is really great.
“Especially after I played Davis Cup where we managed to beat Serbia 3-2, I think, you know, I got more Danish people into tennis, which is a phenomenal feeling.”
Holger Rune says what he did well against Stefanos Tsitsipas
Despite Tsitsipas being the in-form player, Rune dominates their head-to-head and has now extended it to 5-0.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
| 2022 | Roland Garros | Rune beat Tsitsipas, 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-4 |
| 2022 | Stockholm Open | Rune beat Tsitsipas, 6-4 6-4 |
| 2023 | ATP Finals | Rune beat Tsitsipas, 2-1 (Tsitsipas retired) |
| 2025 | Indian Wells | Rune beat Tsitsipas, 6-4 6-4 |
When asked about what he did particularly well in their latest encounter, Rune claimed that his serve and forehand were playing better.
“Yeah, I think I served way better than I did the match before, and I hit my forehand also better,” said Rune. “To be honest, I played two lefties in the first two rounds, so that was tricky to find the rhythm.
“I thought conditions and also playing a righty was easier today. Obviously, as I said, I know Stefanos well, so I know how his ball feels. You know, I just felt better in general.
“I felt better on my movement, better on my return, better on my serve, better forehand. Backhand, I think the same as the last days, I’ve been satisfied with that.
“Yeah, I think about three to four things definitely I improved. You know, I had a good practice day yesterday where I was very determined and very a lot focusing on the details, the shots. That was very important for today’s match.”
Rune will now look to reach his first Indian Wells semi-final when he plays Tallon Griekspoor.
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