"Holger Rune is pulling a Jannik Sinner" - Fans react to 'mind game' in World No. 1's clash with Dane after multiple MTOs at Australian Open

Fan reactions to the medical timeout (MTO) situation between Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune during their Australian Open fourth-round clash are a mixture of support and criticism for both players. The drama surrounding Sinner’s apparent illness and Rune’s response has sparked a range of opinions online.

On Monday, Sinner and Rune battled for a spot in the quarterfinals of the Melbourne Slam. Appearing visibly ill, the World No. 1 struggled through the match, despite his remarkable shots. Rune capitalized on the situation, taking the second set after dropping the first and maintaining a competitive edge in the third.

At 3-2 in the third set, Sinner called for a medical timeout, after he was spotted trembling on his bench. Rune’s own MTO soon followed, adding more tension to the match.

Fans on X reacted to the MTO situation with some supporting Rune’s apparent tactical response, while others criticized Sinner.

"If I’m rune I’m taking a 12 minuite break and telling sinner to go f**k himself," one fan wrote.

"I don't think Sinner is ever in a position to second guess anything related to gamesmanship or cheating, tbh," another fan wrote.

"Take a 15 min break rune... Give him a dose of his own medicine 💊💪" a third fan wrote.

One fan expressed frustration, questioning:

"You guys want Sinner to pass out on the court or something dumb b****es"

Another fan claimed Rune was mimicking Sinner's tactics, writing:

"Rune is pulling a Sinner infront of Sinner😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭"

"May the best mind game player win," yet another fan wrote.

The match, which was filled with drama including a net issue, saw Sinner overcome the apparent physical challenges to defeat Rune 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and advance to his fifth-straight Grand Slam quarterfinal.

---

Jannik Sinner to take on Alex de Minaur or Alex Michelsen in the Australian Open 2025 QF

In Picture: Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

In the quarterfinal of the 2025 Australian Open, Jannik Sinner will take on the winner of the match between eighth-seed Alex de Minaur and young American Alex Michelsen.

The World No. 1 holds an exceptional 9-0 lead against the home favorite De Minaur in their head-to-head. Going back to their clash in the Next Gen ATP Finals final in 2019, the Aussie has won only a single set against the Italian.

Sinner has an undefeated record against Michelsen as well. The pair faced off twice last year and Sinner won both matches in straight sets.