Tsitsipas came in with a renewed sense of confidence, having triumphed in Dubai and building a seven-match win streak with his first two victories here. But the two-time major finalist hasn’t been able to crack the Rune code, as the Dane improved to 4-0 in their head-to-head series.
“Against a player like Stef, and especially (since) he’s in form, I knew I had to go on the baseline and not let him control the points, especially with his forehand,” said Rune. I think we saw every time I let him take control after the serve with the forehand, he was on me. That was the most important, to get the return where he doesn’t like it.
“I was very composed and committed to the plan.”
