Holger Rune and Casper Ruud recently shared their thoughts on the possible tactical timeout that Rune had taken during the second set of their semifinal at the 2023 Italian Open. The two played an extraordinary match in Rome, with Rune emerging the victor after losing the first set, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. Ruud had a comfortable lead at 7-6, 6-4, but Rune’s request for a medical timeout in the middle of the second set changed the momentum entirely.
Rune on taking medical timeouts
Rune discussed his reasoning for medical timeouts during the post-match press conference. “Yeah, I take a medical timeout when I have a problem and when I feel pain. I mean, I do it sometimes because I feel the pain. That’s it. I want to get the treatment, that’s it… If you feel the pain, why not? I mean, there’s ATP physio. You have the opportunity to use him,” he said. Rune mentioned that he takes timeouts mostly when he has a problem and believes that it is fair to take them in such cases.
Ruud on the ‘tactical’ aspect of medical timeouts
When asked if he thought the medical timeout was tactical, Ruud said he would like to think not and added that if a player is in pain, they have the right to take the physio. However, Ruud also suggested that the rule should be discussed, as many people may feel that taking medical timeouts just before the opponent’s service game can interrupt their rhythm and put them at a disadvantage.
Rune’s pursuit of his second Masters title at the 2023 Italian Open
Holger Rune is currently aiming to win his second Masters title at the 2023 Italian Open. He will be playing his third Masters final, having gone 1-1 at the Paris Masters and Monte Carlo. The World No. 6 at the live rankings still doesn’t know whether he will face Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, as their semifinal match was delayed by rain. If Rune succeeds in securing the title in Rome, he can tie Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fifth position in the ATP rankings, but only if the Greek player loses his semifinal duel.
