Holger Rune has exited the Australian Open after losing to Jannik Sinner in four sets on Rod Laver Arena.
Rune had played 14 sets in his first three matches at the Australian Open, compared to Sinner just playing 10.
The Dane has recently been reunited with childhood coach Lars Christensen, while Sinner is set to part ways with Darren Cahill at the end of 2025.
Under Cahill’s guidance Sinner has made history, as he continues his title defence at the Melbourne major.
Despite Rune playing more tennis during his first three rounds, it was actually Sinner who appeared to struggle more physically during their match.
Holger Rune says how he feels about Jannik Sinner medical timeout
One of the main talking points from the match came at one set apiece, with Sinner leading the third set 3-2.
Sinner was clearly struggling with the scorching heat in Melbourne and called for a trainer, before going off court for a medical timeout.
This timeout took around 11 minutes, and in his post-match press conference Rune was asked about how he felt about this lengthy break.
“It was a very warm day today, even though there was not sun the whole time. It was very humid, so I was also feeling it,” explained Rune. “It’s fair that he got checked. I think it took longer than I expected. It was around ten minutes, maybe even more. So that was a bit brutal in the middle of the set.
“Yeah, again, it is what it is. I just couldn’t move on. Yeah, I had good momentum in this moment. So, yeah, it was not the worst timing from his side.”
When being further questioned, Rune recalled the match and admitted that he thought the break was too long.
“Yeah, I mean, I think first set he played great. Second set I was playing good. So it was, like, first set he was better than me. Second set I was better,” explained the 21-year-old. “Third set, up until he took the medical time-out it was really a battle. Like, we had long rallies. We had this incredible game with sick rallies. It was really, really tough. I mean, I was almost dying, also. It was really a struggle.
“Yeah, I could see he was also struggling. So it’s normal. It was, as I said, definitely very, very humid, very warm today. Like sticking a lot on the body. Especially having, I don’t know, it’s like how many minutes, but around 10, 12 minutes’ break just, yeah, sitting in the heat for me cooking out there is a bit tough.
“You know, it is what it is, as I have said. Just had to move on and maybe be smarter next time to, yeah, I don’t know, to wait off court or whatever. Yeah, it was a bit too long.”
Holger Rune provides update on his knee injury
It was not just Sinner who took a medical timeout, with Rune also requiring assistance on his knee after losing the third set.
When questioned about this, Rune admitted that his long matches at the Australian Open contributed to this pre-existing problem.
“Yeah, especially, you know, playing more than three hour every match is not ideal,” said Rune. “I think what I can take out from this tournament is to try to reach the level that I played in the second set today earlier in the tournament so I don’t have to play three hours or three-plus hours every match to make it a bit easier for myself, because Jannik – I didn’t look exactly at his time of playing, but I guess he played less tennis than me those eight days.
“Yeah, he was definitely more fresh, I guess. That also makes a difference because he plays at a very high level, and I definitely need my legs. I had knee issue the last year, so being a bit stopping in the middle of everything and having to reactivate was a bit tough. After that I got some good treatment, and it was fine.”
Rune could play Novak Djokovic at the Davis Cup, as he heads home for Denmark’s Qualifier tie against Serbia in Copenhagen.
The world number 13 will then compete in Rotterdam alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner, before travelling to South America for the golden clay court swing.
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