Holger Rune got his Australian Open campaign off to a solid start with a hard-fought victory over Yoshihito Nishioka.
After reaching the Brisbane International final earlier this month, Rune’s good form held up as he secured a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 win after three hours and 29 minutes, hitting 71 winners along the way.
The eighth seed was forced to overcome soaring temperatures and fast conditions out on Pat Rafter Arena, and he admitted afterwards that it was a‘difficult’ match to navigate.
‘’It's tough but it's always exciting to start the first round," Rune said.
"The conditions were hot and dry, so it was difficult to find the right pace.
‘’The ball was fast. But again, it was great to start with a match like this.''
Feelings that the match could go either way peaked in an unusual third set tiebreak, which saw six of 10 points go against serve, but it was Rune who emerged victorious with a forehand winner.
‘’It was a very important set," Rune said of the third.
"It was back and forth. He had his chances, I had my chances. It was a key set for who got the lead in the match.
‘’I'm happy that I got it, but I was going to fight anyway. I'm just happy to play some very good tennis at the end.’’
Next up for Rune is a meeting with French wild card Arthur Cazaux on Thursday.
The 20-year-old Dane’s best result in Melbourne came last year when he reached the fourth round.
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