Rune Downs Dimitrov, Seals QF Berth At Wimbledon

Holger Rune broke new ground on Monday at Wimbledon, where he overcame Grigor Dimitrov 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4), 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals at The Championships for the first time.

The 20-year-old Dane, who is making his second appearance on London’s lawns, rallied from a set and a break down to earn just his second Top 30 win on grass. In a heavy-hitting three-hour, 20-minute clash on Court 1, Rune struck with destructive power and was the more aggressive player in the two tie-breaks played. After sealing victory on his first match point, the sixth seed raised his arms and let out a roar.

“Today was a crazy match,” Rune said. “Grigor is an incredible player and he pushed me to the limit. We both pushed each other. I think it was a great match and a tough match.

“I fight until the end always. That is what I focus on, especially when I am in a tough situation. I tell myself that there is Wimbledon once a year, so I am going to fight so I have a chance to win.”

With his 37th tour-level win of the season, Rune became the second Danish man to advance to the last eight at Wimbledon, joining Kurt Nielsen (1953, 55 and 58). It is the third time Rune has reached this stage at a Slam, having enjoyed runs to the last eight at Roland Garros in 2022 and 2023.

The World No. 6, who survived a five-set thriller against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round, will continue the quest for his first major and second tour-level title of the season against World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz or 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini.

Dimitrov was aiming to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for just the second time in 13 appearances. The Bulgarian, who advanced to the last four in 2014, defeated World No. 10 Frances Tiafoe in the third round and has climbed three spots to No. 21 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings.

In a high-quality first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting between the Dane and Bulgarian, little separated the pair on Court 1 for large periods. Rune struck 46 winners compared to 49 from Dimitrov, with a series of cat-and-mouse exchanges swinging one way and then the other.

The turning point came at the end of the third set, when Rune showed great courage in the tie-break to step into court and dictate, gaining the lead for the first time. He then earned the decisive break of the fourth set in the sixth game, when Dimitrov double-faulted on break point down.

Did You Know?
Rune earned his first tour-level win on grass last month at The Queen’s Club where he reached the semi-finals.