The BMW Open by American Express in Munich is proving a magical tournament for Holger Rune.
The Danish star won his first tour-level title at the ATP 250 last year. On Sunday, the 19-year-old returned to the final. Rune saved all eight break points he faced to defeat Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-3, 6-2 in 79 minutes.
“It’s been a very good start to the clay season for me and to be able to continue here in Munich means a lot,” Rune said in his on-court interview. “I have very special memories from here, so super excited for tomorrow.”
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Rune has been dominant in his two appearances in Munich, where he now owns an 8-0 record. The teen has never lost a set at the event.
One week after reaching the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, Rune has maintained his momentum in Germany. Facing a tough opponent in O’Connell, who upset two-time Munich champion Alexander Zverev earlier in the week, Rune was in control.
Despite facing eight break points, the 19-year-old played solid tennis under pressure. Rune was opportunistic on return, converting three of his four break points to triumph after 79 minutes.
“I think today was a good match,” Rune said. “I had to be solid. Chris, he played a very good tournament beating some great players, so I’m very happy.”
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Rune will face fourth seed Botic van de Zandschulp for the trophy in a rematch of the 2022 Munich final. Last year in the championship match, van de Zandschulp retired during the first set due to an aching chest.
“It means a lot, especially after last year. I had to retire in the final,” the Dutchman said after defeating second seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6(2) in their semi-final. “I think I have to make something up this year, so let’s hope I can try that tomorrow and we will see.”
There were multiple momentum swings in van de Zandschulp’s win against Fritz, who was attempting to reach his first ATP Tour final on clay. The American rallied from a break down in the second set and raised his level to close in on forcing a decider.
But in the tie-break, van de Zandschulp remained solid and took advantage of Fritz’s mistakes. The Dutchman saved four of the five break points he faced to triumph after one hour and 49 minutes.
“[I] played really good tennis today. Didn’t make a lot of mistakes and I think Taylor is playing amazing at the moment, reaching so many semi-finals in Masters and even further,” van de Zandschulp said. “He’s a great player and I had to play really good today.”