Red-hot Rune wins Caen exhibition title

The Dane continued his fine pre-season form with a second straight trophy

December 14, 2022

Holger Rune just doesn’t know how to lose anymore!

After his victory at the Open Markal Bourg-de-Péage on Sunday, the 19-year-old, who has finished the year inside the world’s top 10, Rune picked up yet another new trophy.

On Wednesday, the Dane won the Caen Open, an exhibition tournament organised in Normandy, by beating Roberto Bautista Agut in the final 6-0, 6-4. A good way to gain confidence just a few weeks before the start of the 2023 season.

“I had a great time here in Caen,” Rune said. “I played a great final and I congratulate Roberto for his season. It’s important to believe in yourself, my goal is to be world No 1 in 2023.”

Holger Rune remporte l'@OpenCaen après un grand match de sa part contre Roberto Bautista Agut. pic.twitter.com/zjcnpeKxqo
— Sportacaen.fr (@sportacaen) December 14, 2022

On Tuesday, Holger Rune had already beaten Richard Gasquet 7-6, 6-1 to secure his place in the final. On Wednesday, he got off to a flying start by winning the first set 6-0 against Bautista Agut, the world No 11 starting the match perfectly, especially on serve.

He finished the first set with 85 percent of points won behind his first ball and 75 percent behind his second. Rune did not concede a single break point and took control of the match with 12 winners and just five unforced errors. At the other end of the court, the Spaniard was not dangerous, with only two winners.

Second set tighter but Rune in control

In the second set, the match was more balanced but it was again Rune who had the last word. The Dane broke to lead 4-3 and when it was time to serve for the match at 5-4, he showed great mental strength to save two break points before closing out the match.

“Congratulations Holger for your season, I wish you lots of success,” Bautista Agut said. “Thanks to the public, it is always a pleasure to come here in Caen to prepare the season. I hope to fight with the best players in the world in 2023, it won’t be easy but that is always the goal.”