Holger Rune, the 21-year-old Danish tennis star, ended his seven-match losing streak in tournament semifinals with a decisive victory over Daniil Medvedev at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Rune triumphed with scores of 7-5 and 6-4, effectively showcasing the tactics he honed with his coach to disrupt the Russian's rhythm.
With this win, Rune not only advanced to his first tour-level final since January of the previous year but also celebrated his 150th tour-level victory. The matchup lasted for one hour and 40 minutes, during which Rune displayed tactical intelligence, utilizing the slice shot for over 26 percent of his plays, keeping Medvedev guessing.
He remarked on the significance of the victory, stating, "It means everything. The job is not over yet, but it feels amazing. Playing Daniil is one of the toughest challenges for me on tour." Rune praised Medvedev's consistency and noted the difficulty of adjusting to his opponent’s style, saying, "I obviously had the right tactics, but it was still so difficult... because he puts in great effort and is super solid. So, I’m very proud of myself." This match marked the level of their head-to-head series at two wins apiece.
Rune's impressive performance came after defeating World No. 9 Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier on his way to the semifinals. After the match, Rune climbed to No. 11 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, reflecting his good form at the tournament.
During the final game against Medvedev, the pressure was palpable; Medvedev had moments where he could have taken control, but Rune managed to maintain composure. He noted, "It’s about finding the right tempo, and luckily I’ve got good leg work, so I can reach many balls. It’s about finding the right pace and which shots to hit because many players miss too many shots against Daniil."
Rune's victory prevented Medvedev from reaching the Indian Wells final for the third consecutive year and reflects Rune’s growth as he seeks to establish himself among the sport's top tier. The former world No. 1, Medvedev, had intelligence and skill but struggled with 27 unforced errors compared to Rune's 20 winners.
Rune's upcoming opponent will be determined from the second semifinal match between two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and British No. 1 Jack Draper. The Sunday championship match is set to mark the first time any Masters 1000 or Grand Slam event will feature two players born in the 2000s, with Rune and Alcaraz both born in 2003 and Draper born in 2001.
With this representation, Rune is steadily showing his potential to be one of the leading figures of the new generation of tennis stars. He anticipates facing either Alcaraz or Draper, both talented players, and looks to capture his first Masters 1000 title, emphasizing the importance of this moment for his career.
Reflecting on his time at the BNP Paribas Open, Rune commented, "It’s been one of my best tournaments, and I hope to keep the momentum going to the final. I'm focused on executing my game plan and enjoying every moment on court." This final will not only be significant for Rune personally but also for the sport as it indicates the changing of the guard, showcasing young talent eager to make their mark on tennis history.
Rune hopes to build upon this momentum as he progresses, aiming for greater achievements on the ATP Tour. With his performance against Medvedev, he conjured excitement among fans and analysts alike, heralding what could potentially be the dawn of his most significant chapter yet.