Novak Djokovic and Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune had an interesting encounter in the US Open first round.
The Serbian sensation was the hot favourite to win the match. Novak won the opening set 6-1 taking full advantage of his tennis and amazing experience at top level. Nevertheless, Djokovic had a hiccup in the second set. The world number 1 was great in converting a 0-3 deficit into a 4-3 lead. However, Djokovic started to struggle with his serve and subsequently he lost the second set at the breaker.
When everyone was expecting a memorable battle, Rune started to struggle with cramps in the first part of the 3rd set. From that moment on, there was no match anymore. The youngster had the heart to finish the match and Novak Djokovic was delightful in “conceding” a game in the 4th set to avoid a punishing bagel. The final score was 6-1 6-75 6-2 6-1.
After the match, Novak Djokovic posted and lovely message for his young opponent, saying: “Much respect to @holgerrune. We’ll see you back here again, my friend I’m sure of it 🤝 @usopen #USOpen”
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Djokovic at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Now the world no.1, the Serbian has achieved a composed 39-5 record in 2021. Djokovic is now playing at the U.S. Open where he managed to beat Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune 6-1 6-75 6-2 6-1.
Novak Djokovic will compete against the world no.121 Tallon Griekspoor in the 2nd round. They have never competed against each other up to now in top tournaments.
Novak clinched 4 titles in 2021 at the Australian Open, in Belgrade, at the French Open and in Wimbledon. Novak got to the final in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Novak won 85 titles in his career: 48 on hard courts, 17 on clay courts, 13 on indoor courts and 7 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune in 2021
Now ranked no.145 (career-high), the Dane played his last match on the 31st of August when he was overcome by world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-7(5) 6-2 6-1 in the 1st round in U.S. Open (draw).
Presently, during this year Vitus Nodskov Rune has managed to achieve an overall 55-18 record. Holger conquered 4 titles in 2021 Bressuire, in the Biella 7 Challenger, in the San Marino Challenger and in the Verona Challenger. The Dane was the finalist in M15 Manacor, in M25 Villena and in the Oeiras 4 Challenger.
Novak Djokovic and Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune squared off only on 1 occasion. Their current head to head is 1-0 for Djokovic. When they played, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-7(5) 6-2 6-1 in the 1st round in New York (U.S. Open) on the 31st of August 2021.
Here the video highlights.
