The victory against Alexander Zverev was only the beginning. Tennis talent Rune crowned champion of Munich. Germany's top doubles team plays itself into French Open form and celebrates with a la ola.
Munich – In the traditional winning car, tennis youngster Holger Rune first took a seat in the passenger seat. At the wheel was ex-top model Lena Gercke. "I still have to get my driver's license," the 19-year-old revealed after celebrating his first tournament win on the ATP Tour at the tennis event in Munich, Germany. The leather trousers, which the top talent had slipped into during the award ceremony on the court, fit like a glove.
In a shortened final on Sunday, Rune had benefited from the abandonment of his Dutch opponent Botic van de Zandschulp. The 26-year-old initially kept clutching his chest before being escorted off the court by the tournament doctor. Van de Zandschulp was able to play four points later, then it was over. A diagnosis was initially pending. "Acute illness," communicated the ATP.
"I wish him a speedy recovery and hope that he is fit again quickly," said Rune, who had won in the round of 16 against favorite Alexander Zverev. "My first ATP title in front of such a great crowd. I couldn't be happier right now." The Scandinavian is considered one of the greatest talents in tennis. Had risen over 200 places in the world rankings in the past twelve months. " The Scandinavian is considered one of the greatest talents in tennis. Had risen over 200 places in the world rankings in the past twelve months.
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Rune had received a wildcard for the traditional event on Aumeisterweg. "I always watched the tournament on TV as a child and have always been a fan," said the young hopeful. Nine days after wildcard acceptance, he crowned himself the winner. Bavaria's Minister President Markus Soder presented the trophy. "I've already heard that he doesn't have a driver's license. He will therefore be very happy about the car," joked the CSU politician.
Rune owes the title in Munich above all to his mental strength. "I've been working on staying calm in important moments. I'm not two meters tall or have that one winning stroke. I have to build up my points smartly and find other solutions," said the 19-year-old, describing his style of play.
Earlier, Germany's best doubles player had sent home fans into ecstasy. With a La Ola the two-time French Open winners Kevin Krawietz celebrated. Andreas Mies their second title in a row. The duo beat Brazilian Rafael Matos and Spaniard David Vega Hernandez 4:6, 6:4, 10:7. "Thanks also to the female staff, who always slipped us a few extra balls for practice. As a German pairing, you already have a few advantages here," joked Mies.