'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAUACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABjAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABggQAAIBBAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBRExBgcTITQBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFEQADAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgQDAAUREhMhQf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ay9i8jfdX3WOsJ5QgtYvOjuDL86u+uV53rdUMnbB0kZY81IqBiFDW6sQBxs790pVrYo5r4TkpTyuMhUFiT60ve2aO0pOxxL1U8KePg1//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Stan Wawrinka and Holger Rune had a frosty exchange at the net after the Swiss defeated Rune in three closely contested sets at Indian Wells 2023.
This is not the first time the two players have traded words after a match. In November 2022, Rune defeated Wawrinka in three sets at the Rolex Paris Masters. As the pair met at the net, Wawrinka told Rune off for his supposedly childish behavior on the court.
"My advice to you is that you stop acting like a baby on court," Wawrinka said at the time.
Trending
At the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, it was the Swiss who came through in a close encounter, winning 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5. As the pair exchanged handshakes at the net, Holger Rune brought up the incident again and asked Wawrinka if he had anything to say this time around, much to the befuddlement of the 37-year-old.
"You've got nothing to say now?" Rune ased.
"What do you want me to say?" Wawrinka replied.
Rune's response was drowned out by Wawrinka being announced as the winner of the match.
Tennis fans were unimpressed by Rune's behavior, with many claiming he had learned nothing from his previous experience with the Swiss veteran.
One fan criticized the Dane for his apparent immaturity, stating that he was acting like a junior player.
"Rune is so arrogant for his age, for any age...he is acting like he is in juniors. He should be learning from players like Stan and show some respect. I hope he grows up soon. Looks like he just waited to say those words and that made him even more crybaby," the fan wrote.
"Little Rune is pissed again! Diapers did not hold," another fan chimed in.
One fan pointed out that the World No. 8 seems to have a propensity for having issues with some of the nicest players on tour, like Casper Ruud.
"Why is Holger finding himself in spats with some of the nicest and classiest guys in tennis… Casper Ruud, Stan Wawrinka? Could it be that the talented kid has a bit of an attitude problem?" a tweet read.
Here are some more reactions to Holger Rune's frosty net exchange with Stan Wawrinka.
Stan Wawrinka to take on Jannik Sinner in Indian Wells Masters 4R
Stan Wawrinka is through to the last 16 at the BNP Paribas Open, his first appearance in the fourth round of an ATP Masters event since 2020.
During his post-match interview, the three-time Grand Slam champion expressed happiness with his win over Holger Rune. Wawrinka stated that despite previously losing to the 19-year-old in Paris, he maintained his composure and fighting spirit to prevail this time.
"I was trying to stay calm with myself. I lost to him already in Paris. All my career I know only one way. To keep fighting, working, pushing myself and stay positive. I am super happy with the win," he said.
Wawrinka will face Jannik Sinner in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open. Sinner defeated Adrian Mannarino in straight sets to book his spot against the former World No. 3.
