Danish tennis star Holger Rune delivered a stunning moment of brilliance at the Indian Wells tournament, evoking memories of Roger Federer’s legendary shot-making skills. In a match against Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas, Rune pulled off an audacious tweener lob that left both his opponent and the crowd in awe.
A Federer-Inspired Masterpiece
Straight from the Roger Federer playbook 😉@holgerrune2003 @rogerfederer #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/lprykRttpF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 12, 2025
Tennis fans may recall Roger Federer’s breathtaking shot at Wimbledon 2015, when he overran a ball but still managed to execute a perfect tweener lob over Sam Querrey. Nearly a decade later, Rune found himself in a similar position against Tsitsipas and instinctively attempted the same shot. The result? A highlight-reel moment that helped him save a crucial break point and maintain his lead in the match.
Leading by a set and a break at 3-4 in the second set, Rune faced mounting pressure as Tsitsipas sought to level the contest. Instead of opting for a conventional return, Rune instinctively went for a between-the-legs lob that left Tsitsipas helpless. The crowd erupted in applause, stunned by the sheer audacity and execution of the shot.
The momentum from that moment carried Rune through the rest of the match, as he sealed a 6-4, 6-4 victory and advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Rune’s Reaction: A Federer Comparison?
Reflecting on his spectacular shot, Rune admitted that he had high expectations for how it would look. “You know, I kind of had the expectation that I looked like Roger Federer when I hit it, and I didn’t quite do that. So that was disappointing,” he joked in his post-match interview.
While Rune may have downplayed his execution, his shot was reminiscent of Federer’s finest moments. Federer was known for turning defensive situations into moments of sheer magic, such as his famous tweener lobs in Dubai, the US Open, and other major tournaments. His ability to combine instinct with precision was unparalleled, and Rune’s moment at Indian Wells had echoes of that same brilliance.
Can Rune Match Federer’s Legacy?
The debate over whether Holger Rune can reach Federer’s level is ongoing. While comparisons to the Swiss legend are flattering, Rune is carving out his own identity on the ATP Tour. His victory over Tsitsipas marked his first quarterfinal appearance of the 2025 season, a much-needed boost after a slow start.
Since his breakthrough at the 2022 Paris Masters, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final, Rune has faced ups and downs. Meanwhile, his rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have continued to rise, making Rune’s path to the top even more challenging. However, his win over Tsitsipas—his 16th career top-10 victory and first on outdoor hard courts—shows that he remains a formidable contender.
Next Challenge: Tallon Griekspoor
Rune now turns his focus to the quarterfinals, where he will face Tallon Griekspoor. The Dutchman, making his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearance, is coming off a hard-fought victory over Yosuke Watanuki. With Rune gaining momentum and rediscovering his best form, the stage is set for an exciting clash.
As the tournament progresses, the question remains: Can Holger Rune continue his rise and establish himself among the elite, or will his flashes of brilliance remain just that—moments of magic rather than a lasting legacy?