Holger RUNE pushed to peak performance, defeats Taylor FRITZ at Indian Wells

Holger Rune (No. 7) defeated Taylor Fritz (No. 12) 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of Indian Wells. The 20-year-old tennis player saved a match point in the second set and will face Daniil Medvedev (No. 4) for a spot in the semifinals.

The Dane gradually improved his game, playing at a spectacular level to reach his 5th Masters quarterfinals and first at the Tennis Paradise.

In the first set, Fritz took control of the match with impeccable service games and putting pressure on his opponent from the return. From the early games, it was evident that the American was closer to securing a break, and in the sixth game, he capitalized on his opportunity, taking a 4-2 lead.

Fritz didn't allow his opponent to breathe and secured a second consecutive break to close out the set 6-2. The American won 80% of points on his serve and 50% on return, making it nearly impossible for Rune to resist.

In the second set, both players adopted a more aggressive approach, significantly increasing the number of winners and unforced errors on both sides. In the previous set, Fritz had 7 winners, while in the second, he had 17, whereas Rune went from 5 to 14 winners.

The Dane faced difficulties in his first service game, having to save a break point against him. However, his service improved considerably afterward, winning eleven consecutive points on his serve. The score remained close, and at 5-4, Fritz had his first match point, but Rune saved it on his serve, extending the uncertainty about the set's outcome.

The set went to a tiebreak, where Rune showcased his best level while Fritz became increasingly erratic, conceding three points on his serve, and the 20-year-old Danish player claimed the set 7-6(2).

With the start of the third set, Fritz's level declined, while Rune consolidated his great moment. Rune broke Fritz in the fourth game, and from then on, the American didn't have much to do as the Dane won an incredible 87% of service points (20/23).

Rune's advantage was enough to close out the match in two hours and twenty minutes with a score of 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-3. Despite Fritz's superiority in the first half of the match, the Dane managed to turn the encounter around. In the quarterfinals, he will face Daniil Medvedev (No. 4), who easily defeated Grigor Dimitrov (No. 13) 6-4, 6-4.