Big hitter Rune meets big hitter Nava - it should be a fiery matchup
Holger Rune (10) v Emilio Nava (WC): Wednesday 28 May, Court Philippe-Chatrier - not before 20:15
A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, or so the saying goes. But for Holger Rune, after negotiating a tricky first round (he dropped the first set against Roberto Bautista Agut before relaxing and coming through in four), he thinks his experience of playing Emilio Nava years ago can only help him now.
“He's a very explosive player, very aggressive player,” Rune said of the world No.137. “We know each other a bit from juniors. Big serve, as I remember. He wants to go big on a lot of shots.”
The Dane knows all about that – he could have been describing himself. With the ability to hit the cover off the ball if he so wishes and with the power and energy to cover every inch of the court, no matter how lost the cause may seem, he, too, is an explosive, aggressive player who likes to go for his shots.
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That approach has, so far, brought Rune five titles and, two years ago, the world No.4 ranking (he is currently No.10). More importantly, it brought him the Barcelona title last month with a straight sets win over Carlos Alcaraz in the final and it should be enough to get him past Nava tonight. As yet, though, it is yet to get him beyond the quarter-final stage at a Grand Slam.
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
