Rune's metaphorical volley: Fends off slow start criticism with aplomb

Denmark’s tennis star Holger Rune was unimpressed by a journalist's question about his slow start during the Wimbledon fourth-round defeat. The third Grand Slam of the year is moving towards its conclusion, as the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Rune’s journey in the competition came to an end on Monday as he lost to the former world number one Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, who came out on top in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

While talking to the media after the match, Rune was left unimpressed by a journalist's question about his slow start. The 21-year-old stated that he did not start slow, as the first set outcome was down to just a single break point, which was won by the current world number two.

“It looks like the worst thing you can do against Djokovic on Centre Court, especially considering the doubt around Novak, about his knee, to start 13 points, zero for him, giving him the first set for kind of free,” the reporter asked. In response to that, Rune responded by saying: “I think it's a bit brutal to say I give it for free. At the end it was 6-3 with one break only. He's been winning sets much easier than he did against me. Yeah, not an ideal start, but that happens sometimes. You don't have to make it a big deal. You just have to find your rhythm. I think I did after 3-0. I started to serve a little bit better.”

The result means that it was the fourth consecutive mega-event where the Gentofte-born star failed to reach the quarterfinal or beyond of a Grand Slam. Earlier this year, Rune was knocked out of the Australian Open after losing in the second round to France’s Arthur Cazaux with a score of 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Later in the French Open, he lost in the fourth round to Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a five-set thrilling contest with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6, 6-2. On the other hand, Djokovic will now face Australia’s Alex de Minaur, who booked his place in the last-eight after beating France’s Arthur Fils with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.