Struggling Holger Rune wins second straight Munich title

BERLIN: Holger Rune shrugged off a shoulder injury and saved four match points in a dramatic third set fightback to defeat Botic van de Zandschulp and claim a second straight ATP Munich title on Sunday.

Rune prevailed 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3) in a rematch of last year’s decider in Munich which he won when Van de Zandschulp retired with chest pains when leading in the opening set. “I was feeling really exhausted but I was fighting until the end and I tried everything I could to come back into the match,” Rune, 19, said. “I think for the crowd it was the perfect final. We really pushed each other to the limit and I am super happy I defended the title today.”

Top seeded Rune took the first set comfortably but was blown away in the second. World number seven Rune then began to struggle with a right shoulder problem and needed a medical time-out at 3-1 down in the decider before Van de Zandschulp raced to a 5-2, 40/15 lead.