Google News
Rising Danish star Holger Rune wasn't happy with the way the Buenos Aires crowd behaved during his opener at the tournament against home player Sebastian Baez. Rune, who is enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 88 in the world, suffered a first round loss in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
World No. 75 Baez claimed a 7-6 (4) 6-3 to progress into the Buenos Aires round-of-16. Rune received a wildcard for Buenos Aires but didn't like the reception he was given. "Beautiful tournament @argentinaopentennis but unfotunately not a nice atmosphere when playing match today.
I don't like people yelling 'shut up" to me during my match or the whole crowd deliberately making noise when i serve and things and like that. It was disrespectful to me and to the sport. All respect to the umpire who nicely tried to appeal to respect.
I fully understand that people support their national players but people have to remember that this is not a football and the players doesn't have to (have) teammates on (the) court to support (him). It's a balance. Support is nice but harassment is (a) no go in sports, schools, whrever," Rune posted on his Instagram Story.
Holger Rune received a main draw wild card for Buenos Aires but didn’t love the crowd. pic.twitter.com/FoX4z8LoSN — José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 9, 2022
Rune had his chances
Rune got off to a positive start, having taken an early 3-0 lead but his lead was short-lived as Baez won the following three games to level the set at three games apiece.
Baez had a break point in the seventh game as well but failed to convert as Rune took a 4-3 lead. As no more breaks were seen in the rest of the set, the set went into a tie-break, in which Baez realized his first set point to win a tight opener.
Baez claimed the first break of the second set in the sixth game but got broken back immediately in the following game. However, Baez kept his focus as he broke Rune again in the eighth game and routinely served out for the match in the following game. Rune has now lost five consecutive matches.