Rune was in danger but survived against Navone – TennisKafe

Mutua Madrid Open, second round

Holger Rune – Mariano Navone 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4

Holger Rune qualified for the third round of the Masters tournament in Madrid after success over Mariano Navone. The Dane was put in a very difficult situation after he had to face to stay in the match, but nevertheless he did not allow a surprise and started his participation in the race successfully.

In the next phase, he expects Talon Grikspor or Taro Daniel.

All six of the aces in the match were the work of Rune, who also served almost twice as many winning shots (33-18). The Scandinavian won 65% of his first-serve points (56/86) and converted five of his 11 break chances (45%), while Navone also made five breaks out of twelve attempts (42%).

Contrary to expectations, the match started much better for Navone, who made an early breakthrough to take a 2-0 lead. However, Rooney subsequently restored parity, with parity remaining at 5-5. However, several very good exits at the net helped the Argentine to reach another break, which was consolidated with a game to nil for 7-5.

In the second set, Navone came very close to one of the biggest wins of his career after breaking for 6-5. However, Rune was able to equalize, and in the ensuing tiebreak he won seven of the last eight points, winning 7-6(2).

At the start of the final set, Rune played his strongest period of the match. The three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist converted two consecutive breaks to reach match point at 5-1. The match seemed decided, but Navone was of a different opinion. The Argentine saved the match point and won his serve, then returned one of the breaks to reduce the score to 5-4.

In what turned out to be the last tenth game of the match, Rooney again had to save a break point, then squandered four more opportunities to close out the match. In the end, however, the world No. 12 did not allow the second break to be returned and eventually won 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 after exactly three hours of play.