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Tennis fans have not taken kindly to Holger Rune's controversial opinion on implementing a significant change to the scoring system.
Rune claimed his maiden win at the grasscourt Major by defeating George Loffhagen in the first round. On Tuesday, July 4, the Dane took the opening set in a tiebreak before rain played spoilsport and halted proceedings. When play resumed on July 5, Rune raised his level to fend off three break points in the opening game of the second set, before racing away to a 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2 victory.
During his post-match press conference, Rune was asked about what change he would implement in tennis if given the opportunity. The World No. 6 expressed his desire to do away with advantage scoring on deuce, believing that such a change would add more entertainment and intensity to matches.
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"No-ad scoring at 40 all," Holger Rune said. "To make it, like, more interesting for the fans I think. There's more exciting points. Also it will shorten the matches, which is also better for the fans. Make it more, like, intense."
Several fans took issue with the 20-year-old's opinion.
"I keep trying to like this kid but he makes it so damn hard," a fan tweeted.
"Ok he's canceled. Britta from Community meme I can excuse homophobia but I draw the line at no-ad," another fan chimed in.
Other fans questioned Holger Rune's stamina and ability to contest longer matches at Grand Slams in light of his controversial stance on advantage scoring.
"Ouch. I don't think it bodes particularly well for his (best-of-five) Slam chances if he doesn't even have the patience for ad scoring," a fan commented.
"Kid who struggles with fatigue wants to play less points. News at 10," another user posted.
Here are a few more fan reactions:
Holger Rune awaits Matteo Arnaldi or Roberto Carballes Baena in Wimbledon 2023 2R
Holger Rune said he was satisfied with his performance in his opening match at Wimbledon 2023, after having been ousted from last year's edition of the grasscourt Major in the very first round. The Dane was defeated by Marcos Giron in straight sets in 2022.
“It means a lot, it’s a great feeling. When you enter a tournament it’s cool to come back with good memories. For sure I hope to bring better memories than last year. I’m super happy with the first round. It was not easy, I had to find my level, and I’m happy to be through," Rune said.
With his win, Rune has become the first Danish man to win a singles match at SW19 since Kenneth Carlsen reached the third round in 2004. He has also improved to a 34-12 win/loss record for the season.
Holger Rune will be up against the winner of the match between Matteo Arnaldi and Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round on Friday, July 7. The World No. 6 is yet to face Arnaldi on the tour, meaning their head-to-head record currently stands at 0-0. Meanwhile, he trails 0-1 in the head-to-head against Carballes Baena.
