Rune Saves Matchpoints To Fight Off Van De Zandschulp For Repeat Munich Title

Fellow teen Carlos Alcaraz completed his title defense in Barcelona, so too did 19-year-old Holger Rune in Munich.

Rune had a much, much tougher affair in a rematch with Botic Van De Zandschulp who he beat last year for his first career title. Today, Rune had to save four match points to win a thriller 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(7-3).

Incredibly, the Dutchman led 5-2, 40-15 with two championship points and a first career ATP title in the grasp when Rune roared back. He not only overcame Van De Zandschulp but also an arm issue and a rolled ankle during one of the comebacks of the season.

“I was feeling really exhausted but I was fighting until the end and I tried everything I could to come back into the match,” Rune told the ATP. “I think for the crowd it was the perfect final. We really pushed each other to the limit and I am super happy I defended the title today.

“It is the last match and the last push, so you try to find a way,” Rune said. “It could help me a little bit to not be as hurt. It was a struggle but I managed to get it done.”

Van De Zandschulp shook off the dissapointment of those two missed match points at 5-2 and the next three games. He would break Rune again but once more when asked to serve it out at 6-5, 40-15 he wasn’t up to the job.

Rune captures his 4th career title in his 7th final. It’s his first of the season. Rune turns 20 on the 29th. Alcaraz turns 20 next week.