Rune survived Zhang before Berrettini

The Danish Holger Rune survived the Chinese push Zhizhen Zhang who pushed his rival to the limit, and after three and a quarter hours and five sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6 and 6-4), he managed to reach the second round of the Open of Australia for the fourth consecutive year.

The Dane, recognized in the past as one of the most promising players on the circuit, destined to become familiar with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcarazwith him for a generation, is celebrating its fourth appearance at Melbourne Park but far from those predictions.

The young Rune played with fire, with the best record in Australia in the round of 16 in 2023 and in a Grand Slam, the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

The match against Zhang, 49th in the world ranking and who has never played, was a roller coaster. It has been an uphill climb for a tennis player who has often been plagued by irregularities on the court and his immaturity that has prevented him from making greater strides on the circuit.

The first victory of 2025 for the Danish tennis player, now the thirteenth racket on the tour, came thanks to the talent he played in the decisive moments of the last set against an opponent who did not give up and pushed the European to the limit. The Chinese who already achieved this place last year are aiming for the second round for the second time in Melbourne. He achieved his first victory at the Australian Open by defeat Federico Coria.

However, Zhang was one step away from winning and was eliminated. Holger Rune will face the Italian in the second round Matteo Berrettini who previously beat British Cameron Norrie 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1 and 6-3.