ROME: Six-time champion Novak Djokovic was knocked out of Italian Open by Denmark’s 20-year-old Holger Rune.
Rune beat the current world number one, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in the quarterfinal.
Djokovic was treated by the physio at 2-1 in the second set but went on to level the match before Rune produced a double break at the top of the third, going on to book his place in the semi-final.
Djokovic said the consistently damp conditions at the Foro Italico this week were challenging for him.
“In these kind of conditions, it’s very difficult to get the ball past him,” Djokovic said. “He’s very, very fast, very quick. Great anticipation. Just a very talented, dynamic player, all-around player.”
In the women’s tournament, two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek retired in the third set of a quarterfinal against Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina because of a right thigh injury. (AP)
