PARIS/STARNBERG, November 6, 2022
Holger Rune has clinched his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown by winning the Rolex Paris Masters. The Danish teen sensation outlasted six-time champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Sunday’s singles final.
World No. 18 Rune sent down six aces and capitalized on all of his three break-point chances to prevail after two hours and 33 minutes.
Harder, Better, Faster, HOLGER 🏆
19-year-old @holgerrune2003 SHOCKS Djokovic to clinch his maiden Masters 1000 title in Paris!!#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/C7Z2s7xWJn
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 6, 2022
“It means everything to me, a perfect way to finish the week. It’s a privilege to share the court with Novak,” said Rune, who has become the youngest champion in Bercy since Boris Becker in 1986.
The 19-year-old Scandinavian was competing in his fourth consecutive ATP Tour final, beating four other Top-10 players (Hubert Hurkacz, Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime) and has now won 19 of his past 21 matches. Rune pocketed €836,355 in prize money as well as 1,000 ATP Ranking points, which will lift him to No. 10 in the ATP Rankings for the first time on Monday.
“I’m feeling lovely to be honest, it’s the best feeling,” said Rune. “If you told me four weeks ago, I would be Top 10… I would be like ‘What, sorry?’. Now I’m here and I’m super proud.I really enjoyed my time at the tournament here and I can’t wait to be back here next year.”
Djokovic told the new champion during the on-court ceremony: “I want to say congratulations to you and your team and your family. You absolutely deserve this victory. What an amazing week you have had.
“I am not happy that you beat me, but on the other hand I am happy for you because I like your personality and you are a very dedicated guy who loves tennis and is putting in a lot of hours of hard work.
“It is paying off for you and I am sure the future is bright for you and your team.”
