Rune ends semi-final struggles to reach Indian Wells final

INDIAN WELLS, California: Denmark’s Holger Rune broke his run of seven consecutive semi-final defeats with a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Russia’s Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells on Saturday. The 12th seed secured his place in the final, avenging his quarter-final loss to Medvedev at the tournament last year.

The opening set was a test of endurance, with both players trading early breaks. Rune displayed resilience, particularly in a gruelling eighth game that featured six deuces. Medvedev faltered in the 11th game, allowing Rune to seize a crucial break before closing out the set.

Rune carried his momentum into the second set, breaking the 2021 US Open champion to love in the third game. Despite some late pressure, Rune held firm, winning a 37-shot rally in the final game before sealing the match with a forehand winner.

The 21-year-old Dane will now face either Britain’s Jack Draper or defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in his first Indian Wells final.