By Scoop Malinowski
Holger Rune has boldly stated one of his goals is to break Rafa Nadal’s impossible Roland Garros 13 title record, and in his debut today at the red clay Grand Slam, the mighty Dane looked every bit a future emperor of Paris.
The 19 year old ranked 40 in the world was too good for the 14 seed Shapovalov, who just weeks ago defeated Nadal on clay. Rune’s first match at Roland Garros today was a stunningly impressive 63 61 76.
Contested on court 12, the two Nike sponsored blond athletes wearing baseball caps were on different levels today. Perhaps it was the windy conditions that bothered the flamboyant Canadian who made 53 unforced errors compared to 19 for the former Roland Garros junior champion of 2019.
The two combatants had differing perspectives of their battle:
Shapovalov:Â “It was difficult. For sure I wasn’t able to bring out my best performance. It’s definitely frustrating. But yeah, it just shows I have a lot to work on. And just excited to get back to work. Never think I’m done learning and improving. So, yeah, it’s difficult moment, but I just keep working.”
Rune: I think it’s nice. This is what you work for every day to be able to play the biggest tournaments. And to play these kind of players like Denis also is great for me. It’s amazing level. I’m super happy and pleased to be in this position right now. To be able to have chances against these guys, to be able to, you know, win my first title in Munich was a huge step forward in my career. I’m really positive and working hard every day to get better.”
Shapovalov and his new coach Peter Polansky will try to correct the wrongs for grass court season. Rune will play Pedro Martinez or Henri Laaksonen in the second round.
Denmark · Holger Rune · Roland Garros
