Novak Djokovic was surprised by rising star Holger Rune on the Paris Masters – however all anybody was speaking about within the aftermath was a controversial video of the tennis nice’s drink being ready within the crowd.
Members of Djokovic’s help group had been filmed placing collectively a drink for the 21-time grand slam champion throughout his semifinal win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
The crew seem to note they’re being filmed by a spectator earlier than seemingly going to further lengths to maintain the drink hidden earlier than it will get handed to the ball child and couriered to Djokovic.
Noted tennis scribe Ben Rothenberg was one in every of many to watch the help crew’s behaviour as “bizarre”.
“I’ve always thought there should be more transparency about the substances players take, particularly during matches, but I’ve also rarely thought anything was likely amiss,” he wrote.
“But golly, the body language in this video is bizarre. What does the Djokovic team think needs hiding?
“I’m accusing no one of anything here, but what an incredibly suspicious way to start acting when you suddenly notice that you’re being filmed.”
19-year-old Rune defeated Djokovic 3-6 6-3 7-5 in Sunday’s closing, keeping off the six-time champion on the indoor hardcourt occasion to earn a spot within the prime 10 for the primary time and changing into the primary Danish man to achieve such giddy heights.
Rune additionally turns into the primary participant because the ATP rankings had been launched in 1973 to have crushed 5 top-10 gamers in the identical event, apart from on the season-ending ATP Finals.
His scalps on the path to his maiden Masters 1000 closing included Hubert Hurkacz, Andrey Rublev, No.1 Carlos Alcaraz – who retired injured when trailing of their quarter-final – and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Now, Rune can add final yr’s Paris champion Djokovic to that record, defeating the 21-time grand slam winner who had described his younger opponent as the way forward for tennis on the eve of the ultimate.
Rune turns into the youngest Paris Masters champion since an 18-year-old Boris Becker triumphed in 1986, and he did it the arduous means too, coming from behind after Djokovic made the stronger begin.
Djokovic broke Rune’s serve within the fourth recreation to guide 3-1 and take an early grip, quickly seeing out the opening set.
Yet Rune charged 3-0 forward within the second and grew in confidence. There was even a Djokovic-like raised fist after getting the higher of his illustrious rival in a single thrilling rally.
Djokovic roared forward within the decider, however not intimidated by the event, Rune struck again to get well the early break.
Rune then broke to guide 6-5, as his Serbian opponent grew to become erratic.
Nobody beats Djokovic with out a struggle although, and the Serb carved out six probabilities to interrupt again within the subsequent recreation.
Rune survived all of them and clinched victory on his second match level when Djokovic, who had been chasing a record-extending thirty ninth ATP 1000 title, netted on the half-volley.
Addressing Rune in an on-court interview, Djokovic mentioned: “You absolutely deserve this victory. What an amazing week you had.
“I’m not happy that you beat me, but on the other hand I’m happy for you because I like your personality, I think you’re a very dedicated guy that loves tennis and puts a lot of hours into hard work.
“It’s paying off for you, and I’m sure the future is bright for you and your team, so congratulations.”
Rune, who’s working with Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, mentioned: “This must be my favourite tournament now, I really enjoyed my time here.”
