Holger Rune makes his feelings clear ahead of Jannik Sinner clash at Australian Open

Holger Rune issued a strong warning to Jannik Sinner ahead of their fourth-round clash at the 2025 Australian Open. The Dane clinched a remarkable win against Miomir Kecmanovic to reach the second week of the Melbourne Major.

Rune suffered an opening round exit to Jiri Lehecka at the Brisbane International to kick off his season. He then entered the Australian Open as the 13th seed and survived a five-set thriller against Zhang Zhizhen following which he clinched a statement win against the dangerous Matteo Berrettini in four sets.

Holger Rune was 2-4, 15-30 down in the fourth set with Kecmanovic up 2-1 in sets. However, the Dane pulled off a massive comeback to clinch the five-setter 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in three hours and 27 minutes. Awaiting him in the next round is World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is also the defending champion.

During his on-court interview, Rune issued a warning to Sinner ahead of their blockbuster match.

"It's going to be very, very exciting. You know, Jannik, obviously defending champion. So, yeah, got nothing to lose." (at 2:26)

Jannik Sinner has continued his scintillating form from last year into this season as well. He kicked off his campaign with a straight-set win against Nicolas Jarry following which he took out home favorite Tristan Schoolkate in four sets. The Italian decimated Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the second week of the Australian Open.

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A look at Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune's fiery rivalry

Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune - Source: Getty

Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner have played each other four times so far with their head-to-head level at 2-2. It is worth noting that all of their matches have gone into the deciding set. This will be their first meeting at the Grand Slam level.

Their first match came in Sofia in 2022 where the Italian had to retire mid-way in the deciding set to hand the Dane a 1-0 lead. Rune strengthened his lead after defeating Sinner in the semifinals of the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters by coming back from a set down to win 1-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Sinner claimed his first win over the 21-year-old in the round-robin stages of the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. Their most recent meeting came in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters where Sinner got his revenge for his previous year's defeat. The Italian won 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3.

The winner of Holger Rune vs Jannik Sinner will either play Alex Michelsen or Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.