Denmark’s
Holger Rune has criticised the surface of the new
court being used for the
Rome Open. The ATP 1000 event is now moving towards the business end, where the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.
Denmark’s Rune featured in his first game on Friday, where he
defeated Argentina’s Francisco Comesana in straight sets with a score of 3-6,
6-3, 6-4. Talking after the match, the 22-year-old, who is regarded as one of
the most talented players on the tour, criticised the surface used for the
match and stated that, in his opinion, it is ‘dangerous’ for the players.
“I found the conditions very difficult on this court,” he
said as quoted by
Tennisnow.com “It’s a new court – it was very tough to move,”
Rune said. “I think it’s dangerous for the players, honestly, to play on this
court, but it is what it is, I got through.”
Rune went on to talk about his own performance in the match, expressing satisfaction with his performance. The Gentofte-born star, who recently won the Barcelona Open, defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final in straight sets, also praised his opponent Comesana, who, according to him, has a ‘bright future’ ahead of him.
“I maybe used a little bit of unnecessary energy on it in
the first set,” he said. “But it was very difficult. It’s before the French
Open and we don’t want to risk injuries and stuff. I honestly think it’s not
playable. That’s my opinion. I’m from Denmark and in Denmark in the beginning
of the season we really know what not-ready clay looks like – trust me. I
haven’t actually played that many long matches this clay season so I was happy
to test myself. I can do it – I was very happy with my physical level, now it’s
just about recovering. He [Comesana] was playing phenomenal tennis. Big respect
to Comesana, what a player he is. He has a bright future ahead of him. From my
side I am happy that I found a way. It’s been a while, since Barcelona, that I
played a [full] match, so I’m happy to be back.”