Holger Rune downs Popyrin in Rome

Holger Rune is through at the Rome Open beating Alexei Popyrin in three sets 6-4 5-7 6-4 after throwing away a golden chance to win the match in two sets.

The match itself was a very interesting one as Popyrin once again produced a really solid level to make the match interesting. His serve was working and the forehand was doing good things as well which is crucial for him. Rune was able to find a solution in the first set mostly by producing flawless tennis with very few errors.

Popyrin was more aggressive and had more winners but had a lot more errors as well. The second set saw Rune squander a lot of chances, especially a 40-0 lead at the end of the second set which could have won him the match in two sets. He didn't use it and then allowed Popyrin a set point which he converted sending the match into three sets.

The final set featured a close battle between the players but Rune was able to play a bit better. He had more winners and fewer errors which was the winning combination for him. A bit more complicated than it should have been but ultimately a good win for the Danish player.