Holger Rune is relishing a tussle with Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Australian Open.
Rune required five sets to win his first-round match against Zhizhen Zhang on Tuesday, but eventually prevailed 4-6 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-4.
The victory brought up Rune's fifth career five-set win at grand slam events – only Kenneth Carlsen (six) has recorded more among Danish players in the Open Era.
Next up for the world number 13 is Italian Berrettini, who with the backing of a partisan crowd at the Kia Oval, overcame Cameron Norrie 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-1 6-3.
Second round blockbuster pic.twitter.com/8GumbC4Lxb
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025
"[It's a] very exciting match," said Rune.
"We played twice last year. Two, three-set matches. Luckily I got to win those two. But it's going to be tough.
"Matteo is a very very talented player. He's shown it for many years.
"Coming back from injuries and keeps raising his level. I'm looking forward to it."
