Impressive Rune sweeps past Musetti to book spot in last 16

Holger Rune is into the last 16 of Indian Wells, courtesy of an impressive 6-2, 7-6 (5) win over Lorenzo Musetti.

The Dane has looked as though he is getting back to his best form in recent weeks, having reunited with former coach Patrick Mouratoglou under whom he has previously flourished.

That looked very the case again against a dangerous opponent, as Rune’s power and precision swept Musetti aside in the opening set.

The second was much closer, with the Italian displaying some of the prowess that has generated such excitement for his potential.

It was the Dane again, however, who took the second on a close tiebreak to seal another eye-catching win.

“I felt great. Finally, the wait was over. I was so eager to play,” Rune said following his win.

“On Saturday, when I heard it was a walkover, obviously I wish Milos all the best. I really wanted to play, but that’s how it is. I just got two extra practice days, which is good, and managed to come in in good shape today.”

Rune, ranked No 7, will face the winner of the match between American Taylor Fritz, the No 12 seed, and Argentinian Sebastian Baez, the No 19 seed, next.

Ahead of his victory, the 20-year-old Dane benefited from the forfeit of Canadian Milos Raonic.

Musetti, ranked No 26, edged out Canadian Denis Shapovalov (6-4, 2-6, 7-5) in the previous round of the Indian Wells Tennis Masters.

Indian Wells Masters 1000, other third-round results (Indian Wells Tennis Garden, hard, USD 9.495.555, most recent results first):

• Daniil Medvedev vs. Sebastian Korda
• Novak Djokovic vs. Luca Nardi
• Taylor Fritz vs. Sebastian Baez
• Adrian Mannarino vs. Grigor Dimitrov
• Casper Ruud vs. Arthur Fils
• Tommy Paul vs. Ugo Humbert
• Cameron Norrie vs. Gael Monfils: monday
• Ben Shelton (16) beat Francisco Cerundolo (22): 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (5)
• Alexander Zverev (6) beat Tallon Griekspoor (27): 7-6 (7), 6-3
• Jiri Lehecka (32) beat Andrey Rublev (5): 6-4, 6-4
• Jannik Sinner (3) beat Jan-Lennard Struff (25): 6-3, 6-4
• Carlos Alcaraz (2) beat Felix Auger-Aliassime (31): 6-2, 6-3
• Alex De Minaur (10) beat Alexander Bublik (20): 7-5, 6-0
• Stefanos Tsitsipas (11) beat Frances Tiafoe (18): 6-3, 6-3
• Fabian Marozsan beat Thiago Seyboth Wild (Q): 6-2, 6-2