By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Gazing throughout the web at Holger Rune appears like trying right into a mirror for Novak Djokovic.

World No. 1 Djokovic mentioned the 20-year-old Rune reminds him of an achieved Big 3 champion: himself.

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The seventh-ranked Rune repelled Aussie qualifier Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 organising a Rome quarterfinal conflict vs. Djokovic.

Continuing his quest for a seventh Rome crown, Djokovic defeated Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4 reaching his seventeenth consecutive Rome quarterfinal.

The top-seeded Djokovic mentioned the rangy Rune's steadiness off each wings, court docket protection and his capability to excel on all surfaces remind him of the person within the mirror.

"[Rune] kind of reminds me a little bit, the way he plays. Really fit physically, great defense, but also great counter-puncher," Djokovic mentioned. "He can hurt you from both forehand and backhand side. Really solid serve. Aggressive returns.

"Just all-around participant on all surfaces. Particularly on clay I feel he finds himself actually comfy taking part in. He performed finals of Monaco, was actually near win the title there.

"He's in very good form and I look forward to a challenge. I think it's going to be a very physical match."

Monte-Carlo finalist Rune, who has been a Djokovic fan since his junior days, was buzzed by the Serbian famous person's comparability.

"I heard Novak said that. Yeah, I mean, it's a good thing I think," Rune mentioned with a smile. "Novak, obviously he has an amazing career...

"I'm feeling higher and higher coming into Roland Garros. I really feel like I'm getting nearer to my greatest degree. Still just a few issues that I really feel like I can do higher, which is good.

"Tomorrow's going to be a good challenge to see where I'm at. Novak is one of the greatest players that ever played the game. It's good to have the chance to challenge myself and challenge hopefully Novak tomorrow."

If it is something like their final conflict, it may very well be electrical.

Last November, the decided Dane rallied from a break down within the decisive set and fought off six break factors within the fierce remaining recreation to dethrone defending champion Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 and seize his maiden Masters championship in a pulsating Paris Masters remaining thriller.

In a basic generational conflict, Rune beat Djokovic at his personal recreation in a pressure-packed remaining recreation that spanned practically 20 minutes and noticed {the teenager} face up to extreme stress and spin one remaining forehand on the Serbian's toes, handcuffing the six-time champion right into a netted volley.

An elated Rune fell flat on his again in euphoria absorbing a historic run.

Work till your idols grow to be your rivals.

❤️ @holgerrune2003 @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/fKEi4fMWUd

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 6, 2022

"You're one of my favorite players. I've been watching you since I was a little kid, practicing with you," Rune advised Djokovic throughout the Paris trophy ceremony. "It's a pleasure to be able to share the court with you now."

What does Rune anticipate of their Rome rematch?

The Paris champion mentioned he envisions one other all-court match and is aware of he should deliver his greatest to beat the most effective.

"To be honest, I don't think it's going to be so different," Rune mentioned. "Novak is an all-court player. I think he's tough no matter where you play him.

"He's proven that. He's gained Rome six occasions. It says itself that it'll be powerful. I've to be at my greatest. Now get well bodily, attempt to be as prepared as I can for tomorrow, attempt to play my greatest tennis as a result of I'll want that for tomorrow, for positive."

Photo credit score: Getty

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