Photo Source: TTV
Holger Rune was happy to snap a four-match losing streak at the Masters events on Friday in Rome. He was also happy to survive without suffering any bodily harm.
The Dane called out the new Super Tennis Arena in Rome, calling the conditions “unplayable” and “dangerous”, but still managed to come through a difficult test against Argentina’s Francisco Comesana, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
“I found the conditions very difficult on this court, it’s a new court – it was very tough to move,” Rune said. “I think it’s dangerous for the players, honestly, to play on this court, but it is what it is, I got through.”
Rune had the grounds crew out working to patch up rough spots in the clay in the first set, and he was looking pretty distraught, but he managed to dig deep and take the play to the Argentinian as the 2023 finalist improved to 17-10 on the season and set a third-round clash with Corentin Moutet.
“I maybe used a little bit of unnecessary energy on it in the first set,” Rune said, adding: “But it was very difficult. It’s before the French Open and we don’t want to risk injuries and stuff. I honestly think it’s not playable. That’s my opinion. I’m from Denmark and in Denmark in the beginning of the season we really know what not-ready clay looks like – trust me.”
Rune needed two hours and 53 minutes to come through, and had to rally from a break down in the final set. The surface may have been subpar, but the atmosphere was perfect. Crowds backed both players vociferously as they traded blows in a first-time encounter that left Rune impressed with his opponent.
“He was playing phenomenal tennis,” Rune said. “Big respect to Comesana, what a player he is. He has a bright future ahead of him. From my side I am happy that I found a way. It’s been a while, since Barcelona, that I played a [full] match, so I’m happy to be back.”
Comesana was bidding to become the first active player to win his first three matches against Top-10 players – he drops to 4-2 lifetime against the Top-20 with the loss.
“I haven’t actually played that many long matches this clay season so I was happy to test myself,” Rune said. “I can do it – I was very happy with my physical level, now it’s just about recovering.”