“Couldn’t ask for a better birthday”: Holger Rune, now 19, reaches first ATP semifinal
The Dane was presented a cake after picking apart Emil Ruusuvuori, 6-0, 6-2 in Munich.
MUNICH—What’s better than cake on your birthday?
Try cake after reaching your first ATP semifinal and after backing up your first Top 10 win over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev.
Holger Rune, who turned 19 on Friday, made the most of his special day in a very sweet way. Looking completely relaxed in a light practice session before the match, the Dane blitzed Emil Ruusuvuori, 6-0, 6-2, in just 62 minutes—converting five breaks of serve.
“It was a very good match from the beginning today. I was staying very focused like I did in my last round,” said Rune, who gets local hopeful Oscar Otte Saturday with a final berth on the line.
“The tactic again worked out properly. I really enjoyed my time.”
After a short on-court interview, the world No. 70 was presented a cake by tournament director Patrik Kühnen, a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist. When asked if he ever celebrated in this way before, Rune said, “Not on a court like this, playing a match in front of so many people. It was just an amazing atmosphere.
“I really couldn’t ask for a better birthday.”
Mom Aneke then came out for a photo op before exiting with the yummy baked good as her son signed autographs for fans eager to spread the birthday love.
Guard it closely, Holger!