Novak Djokovic’s pursuit for a fourth US Open title has began in an unusual manner, with his opponent nearly crippled by cramps during the second half of their encounter.
In sweltering conditions in New York, 18-year-old Holger Rune had just levelled at one set each when his body began to fail him.
It was Rune’s first time playing a best-of-five set match, after qualifying to make the main draw of a grand slam tournament.
However, beginning in the third set, the adolescent was unable to move, forcing him to stand at the baseline and hit winners rather than chase down balls.
“There’s a grey line. I understand that players should do everything to avoid cramps. However, this is not impossible. When this happens, it does not look good for the crowd, or for anyone, if he does not receive at least one medical timeout.
“But rules are rules, I suppose.”
Djokovic praised Rune for finishing the match, despite the fact that the Danish player had no realistic chance of winning.
“We simply had a little conversation in the locker room. It is an emotional occasion for him. It is not easy to see that. He’s very sad. I get it. “I’ve been through it,” he stated.
“I just informed him that he handled himself very well. He did not want to stop. I believed he would cease at the end of the third. He just kept going with dignity and finished the match.
