Novak Djokovic failed early in Rome. © APA/afp / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE

Favorites die in Rome: Djokovic also fails

Like the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic was also eliminated early from the Masters 1000 tennis tournament in Rome.

17 May 2023

From: dpa/dl

On Wednesday, the Serb lost in the quarter-finals of this sand classic, top seed, to the number seven Dane Holger Rune 2:6,6:4,2:6 and thus fell 20:1 in the head-to-head with the 2-year-old Residue. Rune most recently triumphed against 35-year-old Djokovic in the final of the Masters 1000 indoor tournament in Paris in November.

Rune started aggressively to take a 4-1 lead, but Djokovic apparently didn't appear or feel completely physically fit. In the middle of the second set, Djokovic had to take painkillers. As a result, he managed to equalize the set after Rune had to take a break because of his leg injury. In the third set, the youngster was there again and secured the preliminary decision with a 4-0 lead.

Top talent Holger Rune defeated the Djoker. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI

The defeat of “Djoker” brought to an end a remarkable series, because since 2005 or 18 years in a row, at least the world number one or the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who did not compete this time due to injury, was represented in the Rome final. Djokovic, who started as defending champion, remains with six Rome titles or a total of 93 final victories on the tour. On Friday, Rune will continue to fight for his fifth ATP title, his second overall at the 1000 level after Paris 2022.

Numbers 1 and 2 + the Azzurri outside

Opponent on Friday will be either Casper Ruud (No. 4) in a Scandinavian duel, or the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo (24) will surprise on Wednesday (not before 19.00 p.m.) after the South Tyrolean Jannik Sinner (8) also the Norwegian. The German Yannick Hanfmann and the Russian Daniil Medvedev (3) as well as the Greek Stefan Tsitsipas (5) will play against the Croatian Borna Coric (15) on Thursday for the remaining two places in the Saturday semi-finals.

Italy's second hope alongside Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti, also had to give up. © APA/afp / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE

Alcaraz (2) was already eliminated in round three. Germany's number 1, Alexander Zvrev, was once again defeated by Medvedev. The Azzurri are all already out. Lorenzo Musetti was knocked out in straight sets against Tsitsipas on Tuesday evening.