World No. 1 Novak Djokovic (36, Serbia) collapsed again to Denmark’s ‘divine’ Holger Rune (20).
It is in the 5th round (quarterfinals) of the 2023 Rome Open (Internazionali BNL d’Italia) men’s singles held at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy on the 17th (local time). Djokovic lost 1-2 (2-6, 6-4, 2-6) to world number 7 Holger Roone and was eliminated.
Djokovic, who was eliminated in the quarterfinals, is leaving the court. Rome| EPA Yonhap News
Holger Roone. Rome| AFP Yonhap News안전놀이터
This tournament is the third ATP Masters 1000 series held in the clay court season. Last year’s champion, Djokovic, failed to defend his title. He was aiming for his 7th top finish in this event. The 39th victory in the ATP Masters 1000 series was also canceled.
Djokovic lost to Rune 1-2 (6-3, 3-6, 5-7) in the singles final of the 2022 Paris ATP Masters 1000 held on an indoor hard court last year and ended up in second place. In the head-to-head match, Djokovic recorded 1 win and 2 losses against Rune.
Djokovic will give up the first place to Carlos Alcaras (20, Spain) in the world rankings to be announced next week. “A new generation is already here,” Djokovic said. That means Alkaras will be number one from next Monday. He plays amazing tennis.”