Monte Carlo 2023: Rune edges out Sinner, faces Rublev for the title

In an intense semifinal clash between two teenagers, Holger Rune emerged victorious, defeating Jannik Sinner 1-6, 7-5, 7-5 to reach his second career Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo.

The 19-year-old recovered from a set down and stayed tough till the end, earning a deserved victory over Sinner for his first Monte Carlo final.

Rune is now the third teenager to make multiple ATP Masters 1000 finals on multiple surfaces, after Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

A bitter loss for Sinner as his serves let him down in the third set, he kept saving breakpoints till he could save no more.

“It was unbelievable. Jannik started firing, hitting a lot of winners. He’s been in great form. I had to dig deep and find solutions, which I did well. It was an amazing crowd. Even though they cheered for Jannik, I think it’s fun to play like this,” Rune said on defeating Sinner.

And on facing Andrey Rublev in the final, the Dane said small margins will determine the outcome of the match.

“Our last match wasn’t fun at all. I hope it will be different. It was unlucky for me. Andrey played amazing. We both played a great match. Small margins here and there, like today. Against Rublev, it’s 1-1. One of us will make it 2-1. Let’s see,” he said.