Holger Rune completes second five-set comeback at Australian Open, books Jannik Sinner fourth round

Powered by pickle juice, Holger Rune is showing off improved physical tenacity to kick off the 2025 season, defeating Miomir Kecmanovic, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to book a fourth-round clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open.

While victory ordinarily tastes sweet, the beverage meant to stave off cramps gave Sunday morning’s win a certain tang, one Rune would sooner forget.

“I cannot say the word: it starts with ‘s’ and then an ‘h,’” Rune said of the taste. “I was really feeling it today [physically]. I actually think it’s an Australian thing, so it’s a nice invention.”

The former world No. 4 had already endured a physical test, having started the tournament with a five-set win over Zhang Zhizhen. The Kecmanovic comeback marked the first time he has won two five-setters at the same major tournament, rallying from two sets to one down to defeat the Serb in three hours and 27 minutes.

“I was so tired, I was thinking I needed to find the solution, and I wasn’t going to be able to run 15 balls side to side, so I had to go for it when I had the chance,” said Rune, who hit an absurd 83 winners to 55 unforced errors over five sets. “Miomir played an amazing match; we’ve played a couple times and he’s just a big competitor, so credit to him.

“To the Serbian fans: guys, I love your energy, it’s nothing personal,” he added to Kecmanovic’s enthusiastic supporters.

Rune last reached the fourth round Down Under in 2023, when he came within a point of defeating Andrey Rublev before falling in a fifth-set tiebreaker. Since then, the Dane has struggled for consistency at hard-court majors, losing before the second week of his last three heading into this year’s Australian Open.

Down to No. 13 in the rankings after an underwhelming 2024, Rune is putting together an impressive run in Melbourne, defeating former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in the second round before clinching the win over Kecmanovic.

Up next will be his biggest test yet against Sinner, who will come to court much fresher after having dropped just one set in his first three matches. Rune and Sinner are tied 2-2 in their head-to-head, but Sinner has won their last two matches, most recently at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters on clay.

“He’s the defending champion, and I have nothing to lose,” said Rune, who is looking to reach his first major quarterfinal in 18 months (2023 Wimbledon).