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.
