Holger Rune didn’t have anything against Jannik Sinner taking a medical timeout but noted that a lengthy break ruined his rhythm.
After the world No. 1 started to physically struggle late in the second set of their Australian Open round-of-16 match – the Italian’s hands were shaking and his movement was impacted – the Dane won that set and also had the upper hand early in the third set.
But after saving a couple of break points to open a 3-2 third-set lead, Sinner had both the doctor and a trainer come out on the court.
After talking with them for a short time, he left the court to get treated and that lasted 11 minutes.
When action resumed, the situation on the court completely changed as the defending champion went on to win nine of the next 12 games and seal a 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2 win.
Some weren’t too happy with Sinner’s medical timeout, accusing him of using it as a way to break Rune’s rhythm and momentum.
Rune shares his thoughts on the matter
“It’s fair that he got checked,” the world No. 13 said.
“I think it took longer than I expected. It was around ten minutes, maybe even more. So that was a bit brutal in the middle of the set. I just couldn’t move on. I had good momentum in that moment. It was not the worst timing from his side.
“No [I didn’t get an explanation about why it took so long]. They checked him on the court, and the umpire said he needed a further check, more checks, to make sure he was alright. Then he came back firing, so I don’t know what they did.”
Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner© Australian Open/YouTube
Rune defeated Sinner in their first two meetings but has since ended on the losing side in each of their last three clashes.
Had the 21-year-old Dane won, he would have made his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2023 Wimbledon.
Tennis World USA