After losing 6-2 6-2 to the now world #7 Jack Draper at the BNP Paribas Open, Holger Rune cut an emotional figure. Understandably so. After an excellent week that included statement wins against big names, it all came crashing down in the face of an unrelenting force. Yet, with some reflection, he should take positives from the fortnight. The question becomes whether he can carry this form into the Miami Open.
Can Holger Rune build on his Indian Wells run
A One-Sided Final
Draper and Rune faced off on Sunday evening, both searching for their first trophy of the season. The Briton was arguably slight favourite after dispersing Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, but despite the younger man Rune came into the match with the edge in experience – playing in his fourth Masters final and with one title to his name (Paris, 2022). It did not look that way out on court, however, with Draper cruising to a dominant win.
The early signs were ominous after the twenty-three-year-old raced into a 4-0 lead. From the first ball, service was proving to be the major differentiator. Draper served ten aces to Rune’s one, and never hit a single double fault compared to two from the Dane.
Yet, it wasn’t just free points, his placement and spin was far superior. Winning 92% of his first serve points, he was able to take the upper hand in rallies with ease. Thus, giving him the platform to hit an impressive 21 winners, three times more than Rune. It’s easy to say with hindsight, but the Dane seemed less assured throughout. Every point felt like a struggle. To win games he was having to work tirelessly to gain the upper hand and string together his absolute best. Whereas Draper picked apart Rune’s game and stepped in aggressively when necessary.
A welcome break
However, what was a dismal display cannot overshadow a positive run overall. En route to the final, there was the perfect mix of wins. Big names such as Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas were conquered. Three set wins against an in-form Tallon Griekspoor and Ugo Humbert left the crowd on the edge of their seat, while Corentin Moutet was barely competitive. It marked Rune’s first ATP Masters Final since Rome 2023 and the first on a hard court since his maiden Paris title three seasons ago.
Since that famous victory against Novak Djokovic, it has been somewhat underwhelming for Rune. Many were touting him to form a future “big three” with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Yet, as yesterday showed, he has been overtaken by some like Draper. Since a successful 2023 which saw two Masters finals, and two Grand Slam quarterfinals, it’s been downhill. Of the last six Grand Slams, three have ended in the fourth round, and the other three even earlier. Despite his immense talent, the results haven’t surfaced.
Style Issues?
Perhaps part of the inconsistencies has come from his at times erratic style. After all, Sunday’s bruising defeat isn’t a one-off occurrence. Jan Lennard Struff, Brandon Nakashima and Taylor Fritz have all hammered the Dane relatively recently. That shouldn’t be happening to a player of Rune’s ability. Since his rise three years ago, he still seems unsure of his game. While others may put it down to a bad day at the office, Rune insisted part of the issue was the game plan:
“I think I could have done my part better. Like the opportunities I had to play aggressive just weren’t good enough. I think it’s a matter of fact that I haven’t committed — I mean, I have been playing well in this tournament, been playing tactically very wisely — but I haven’t played, like, fully committed to my aggressive game still. I think that’s what was the reason why I lost today.”
It’s a strange situation, as solid tennis was what got him to the final in the first place. However, against an opponent in better form, it proved ineffective. Perhaps, a more aggressive style could’ve worked, but there is little evidence to draw from. It could simply be a coping mechanism, as the aggressive game he refers to hasn’t brought much trouble to the big guns lately. Although, the next fortnight is a real opportunity to build momentum. With a solid few days of rest before Miami’s draw really heats up he should be able to navigate either Reilly Opelka or Christopher Eubanks.
Another positive tournament, and you never know what momentum could do. Either way, in the Californian sun, Holger Rune has shown why he can still be a factor at the top end of men’s tennis, consistency is key.
Main photo credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
