Holger Rune claims bragging rights, becomes Stefanos Tsitsipas' 'daddy' after yet another win

Denmark’s Holger Rune’s incredible record against Stefanos Tsitsipas has given him the bragging rights in their rivalry. The 21-year-old, who is often regarded as one of the most talented players currently playing on the tour, defeated the Greek tennis star in the round of 16 of the Indian Wells in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

It was Rune’s fourth consecutive win over Tsitsipas in as many outings. With that win, Denmark’s tennis star can now claim that he has become Tsitsipas ‘daddy’. The term is commonly used in the locker room for players who have defeated a particular opponent three consecutive times. That was confirmed by America's Ben Shelton in the past as well.

Their first meeting in professional tennis was in the fourth round of the French Open in 2022, where Rune came out on top in a four-set encounter with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The same year, the reigning world number 13 defeated Tsitsipas in the final of the Stockholm Open in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4. In 2023, in the round-robin match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Tsitsipas was forced to retire in the first set.

Rune, while talking about his performance, stated that the battle was ‘cool’ as Tsitsipas has returned to his best shape. “I stayed very committed to my game plan and again, mentally, I was very, very good,” he said on court. “I think that’s what made the difference in how composed I could stay because obviously Stef is back in shape, I think it’s fair to say, and it was a cool battle.”

Rune is now set to face Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the quarterfinal of the competition on Wednesday. He cemented his spot in the last-eight after beating Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-1.