Rune One Win From Successful Title Defence In Munich

The BMW Open by American Express in Munich is proving a magical tournament for Holger Rune.

The Danish star won his first tour-level title at the ATP 250 last year. On Sunday, the 19-year-old returned to the final. Rune saved all eight break points he faced to defeat Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-3, 6-2 in 79 minutes.

“It’s been a very good start to the clay season for me and to be able to continue here in Munich means a lot,” Rune said in his on-court interview. “I have very special memories from here, so super excited for tomorrow.”

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Rune has been dominant in his two appearances in Munich, where he now owns an 8-0 record. The teen has never lost a set at the event.

One week after reaching the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, Rune has maintained his momentum in Germany. Facing a tough opponent in O’Connell, who upset two-time Munich champion Alexander Zverev earlier in the week, Rune was in control.

Despite facing eight break points, the 19-year-old played solid tennis under pressure. Rune was opportunistic on return, converting three of his four break points to triumph after 79 minutes.

“I think today was a good match,” Rune said. “I had to be solid. Chris, he played a very good tournament beating some great players, so I’m very happy.”

Rune will face second seed Taylor Fritz or fourth seed Botic van de Zandschulp in the final. Last year in the championship match he played van de Zandschulp, who retired during the first set due to an aching chest.

“Either it’s going to be a part two of last year and if not it’s going to be Taylor,” Rune said. “[They are] both going to be tough matches. I have to get ready physically and prepare as best as possible.”

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/KX4TDPC