Holger Rune savours Novak Djokovic win at the Paris Masters - 'Been watching you since I was a little kid'
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 06/11/2022 at 19:39 GMT
Holger Rune couldn't help but reflect on how far he had come by beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Paris Masters, admitting he had been watching the Serb since being a "little kid", and practising with him when he was coming up on the tennis circuit. Rune held his nerve to serve out an epic three-set win over Djokovic, which catapults him into the first reserve slot for the ATP Finals.
Rune: This means everything to me, to share it with Novak is a privilege
Holger Rune admitted it was a "pleasure" to be able to share the court with Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters final, after admitting to watching the Serb "when he was a little kid".
Rune stunned the tennis world with his three-set win over six-time champion Djokovic on Sunday, showing remarkable composure to serve out the match at its nailbiting conclusion.
It continues a season in which the next generation are making their mark, with Carlos Alcaraz - like Rune, 19 - winning the US Open and becoming world No. 1, while Dane Rune - incredibly - beat five top-10 players during his run to the title in Bercy.
Rune hasn't been without his critics during his breakout season, having a set-to with Casper Ruud at the French Open, and then being accused of "acting like a baby" by Stan Wawrinka just this week.
But 21-time major champ Djokovic is one player he seems to have a strong rapport with.
Speaking on court after his win in two hours and 34 minutes, Rune said: "Huge congrats to Novak.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/11/06/3485649-71060153-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Rune wins maiden Masters title after fighting back to beat 6-time champ Djokovic
"You're one of my favourite players, I've been watching you since I was a little kid practising with you, so it's a pleasure to be able to share the court with you now.
"I can say definitely that this must be my favourite tournament now, I really enjoyed my time and I just can't wait to be back next year.
"It's absolutely amazing and I can't wait to keep going."
Djokovic said he was "not happy" to have lost, but paid tribute to Rune's work ethic in his runners-up speech.
"You absolutely deserve this victory. What an amazing week you've had," the Serb said.
"I'm not happy that you beat me but on the other hand I'm happy for you because I like your personality. I think you're a very dedicated guy that loves tennis and puts a lot of hours into hard work.
"It's paying off for you and I'm sure that the future is bright for you and your team, congratulations."
Rune's win means he is now the first alternate for the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, after Alcaraz withdrew with an abdominal injury.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/2220.png)
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/6944.png)