Djokovic Forces Deciding Set Against Rune After Rain Delay In Rome

A dramatic quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune is into a deciding set at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where the Serbian levelled the match soon after a rain delay of just over an hour in Rome.

Rune was under pressure serving to stay in the second set when the weather forced play to be suspended in Rome at 6-2, 4-5, 0/30. Upon resumption, Djokovic immediately claimed the two points he needed to level proceedings and force a third set.

The 20-year-old Rune had earlier raced to the opening set at the Foro Italico, where defending champion and top seed Djokovic appeared physically under par and was treated by the physio at 2-1 in the second set.

In typically resilient fashion, the Serbian raised his level and broke for the first time in the match en route to a 5-2 lead. Although Rune pegged the 35-year-old back by reclaiming the break, Djokovic was just two points from levelling the match when the heavens opened.

Djokovic is chasing his seventh title in the Eternal City, and a record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 crown overall, while Rome debutant Rune is chasing his second title at that level after defeating Djokovic to win the Rolex Paris Masters last November.