Holger Rune says if he still thinks he can qualify for the ATP finals after second-round win in Shanghai

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Holger Rune is still in with an outside chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.

Looking to add to his points tally with the tour finals in mind, Rune travelled to China for the Shanghai Masters.

Competing as the number ten seed, Rune received a bye into round two, where he met Argentinian clay-court specialist Sebastian Baez.

In straight sets, Rune defeated Baez 7-5, 6-4, to secure his spot in the third round of the 2025 Shanghai Masters.

After the match, the Danish star was asked if he still believes he can qualify for this year’s ATP Finals.

Holger Rune says his ‘goal’ is to qualify for the ATP Finals and insists it’s still possible

During his post-match interview, Rune had this to say about the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin.

“It is still possible, and that would be my goal, to go to Turin,” he said.

“I think I need to play better and play every point like I did today.”

Rune plans to play with the same intensity he showed against Baez in every match between now and the end of the year.

“I wasn’t necessarily more motivated today than any other tournament, but I really focused a lot on trying to play every point, stay in there, and play every point. Even when I got broken at the end, boom, back at it, 5-4, play the point,” he said.

“You’re always going to make mistakes and stuff, but the most important thing is that I give 100% on every point and that’s my goal for this tournament and the rest of the year.

“Wherever that leads me, I’m happy because that’s the right way for me.”

Rune currently sits in 14th place in the Live ATP Race to Turin, 1,000 points outside of the qualification spots.

Looking at the gap he needs to close down, it certainly looks like a long shot, although there is one important factor that mustn’t be forgotten.

When the Shanghai Masters finishes, the stars of the ATP Tour will head over to Europe for a series of indoor hard-court events.

Rune has historically played some of his best tennis on indoor hard, winning the biggest title of his career on the surface at the Paris Masters three years ago.

If he were to repeat the feat in 2025, he could very quickly find himself in contention for a place in Turin.

He won’t want to get ahead of himself thinking about Paris or Turin just yet, however, as Rune still has work to do in Shanghai.

What’s next for Holger Rune after ‘perfect’ start to the Shanghai Masters?

Rune was suitably pleased with his performance against Baez, as he secured the win over the Argentine in straight sets.

“It was a very competitive match, he always makes it very competitive, he’s a great fighter, great competitor,” he said.

“It’s a perfect beginning to the tournament. I got to play a lot of rallies, and in a way, it was also a challenging match; I had to play well.

“I think I did most of the match, I fought for every point, I tried to do my best the whole match, actually, so that’s what I’m happy about.

“The level was good, can always increase, but it’s only the second round.”

Rune will now prepare to take on Frenchman Ugo Humbert in round three, a man he has beaten four times previously.

Whether the Dane can extend his winning record to 5-0 remains to be seen, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action when they face off on Sunday, October 5.