Fourth Seed Holger Rune Suffers Surprise Upset at US Open, Losing to Roberto Carballes Baena
Holger Rune, the fourth seed at the US Open, was left stunned on the first day of action as he fell to Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in four sets. The Danish tennis player, considered one of the tournament’s favorites, expressed his disappointment in a post-match press conference, admitting that he played some of his worst tennis in the last Grand Slam of the season.
Reflecting on the unexpected loss, Rune acknowledged that his entire team shared the disappointment, as it was the final major tournament of the year. He recognized the need for a calm conversation with his coach, Patrick, to analyze the performance and find ways to improve. Despite the setback, the young player remained positive and aimed to learn from the experience, seeking stability in his team and surroundings to ensure better performances in future matches.
Addressing injury concerns, Rune emphasized that he is not the type of player who avoids tournaments unless there is a serious issue. He does not constantly seek medical scans for every minor discomfort, but rather trusts his body’s signals. He acknowledged that injuries and niggles are part of an athlete’s life and emphasized the need to learn how to manage them effectively.
Previously ranked as World No. 4, Rune’s early exit from the 2023 US Open means he will drop a few points in the rankings, as he failed to match his third-round performance from the previous year.
The young Danish player’s defeat highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis and the ability of underdogs to challenge higher-ranked opponents. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more surprises and thrilling matches that showcase the skill and resilience of the players.
