Holger Rune expecting 'more open' French Open without Rafael Nadal
- Lindokuhle Mbuyisa
- 31 May 2023
Danish star Holger Rune feels this year's edition of the French Open is "more open" following his first-round victory against American Christopher Eubanks.
Holger Rune says he is expecting a "more open" Roland Garros following his first round victory against American Christopher Eubanks.
The 20-year-old won his opening match against Christopher Eubanks in Paris on Tuesday, winning 6-4 3-6 7-6 6-2.
Following the victory, Rune credited the American for "playing well" during the four set contest.
💬 "I'm starting to play some of my better tennis"
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2023
Rune is heating up ⤵️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/dpy7X4Y2Jd
"Yeah, Chris played well," said the rising star.
"He was serving well. Hitting his spots and playing freely. Obviously, he had nothing to lose, so I guess that made him more relaxed today.
"I had never played him before, so I had to adjust a little bit, but I am happy with the level I reached and found in the fourth set. I started to play some of my better tennis but I'm just happy to be through."
Given the absence of 14-time winner Rafael Nadal, the Dane was optimistic of his chances in Paris, adding, "I think for sure it is more open since Rafa's not here, but again, we still have Novak [Djokovic], we have [Carlos] Alcaraz, but I think Novak must still be the favourite as he has 22 Grand Slams and so much experience in these tournaments."
