By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday October 27, 2023
Holger Rune made it three straight wins in Basel as he edged Tomas Martin in a third-set tiebreak to reach the semis
Photo Source: TTV
Holger Rune continued his late push to solidify his spot at this year’s ATP Finals in Turin, while Hubert Hurkacz kept up the chase on Friday in Basel.
Rune, who entered the week with eight losses in his last nine matches, has won three straight now in Basel. He edged Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(6) to reach his seventh semifinal of 2023 – the Dane has now won 11 of his last 13 quarterfinals on the ATP Tour.
It was a tense battle that came down to the wire, with Rune getting a break when his forehand clipped the netcord and trickled over for a winner at 6-6 in the third-set breaker. He sealed his victory in two hours and 39 minutes on the next point when Etcheverry double-faulted to end the scintillating battle.
"It was super difficult and Tomas has played great all tournament and had a super season,” Rune said on court after his win. “I was super lucky at the end, I have never had as much luck in my life. Of course I am happy to win but I feel for him as I know how it feels myself when these kind of things happen. I am happy with my level. It was a tough match physically so I am proud of myself.”
Rune’s victory increases his lead over Taylor Fritz to 225 points. The American is No.9 in the race, but he might not be for long, as Hubert Hurkacz, currently 10th in the race, kept his hopes alive with a 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4 win over Tallon Griekspoor.
Hurkacz would move ten points clear of Fritz with a win over Ugo Humbert in the semifinals on Saturday.
Champion in Shanghai earlier this month, Hurkacz now owns a career-best 42 wins in 2023.