More important is the fact that Rune already thrives in that kind of atmosphere, and in those tense moments. Down set point against Rublev, he did what any seasoned veteran would do: He reached back and fired a winning serve down the T, enraging Rublev even more. By now, that kind of clutch play is the norm for Rune. This year he has won two titles (one on clay and one on indoor hard courts) and raised his ranking from No. 103 to No. 18. Stefanos Tsitsipas describes him as “fearless.” That fearlessness against older and higher-ranked opponents may be his best attribute as a player, but also the one that rubs some people the wrong way.
“On the ATP tour, everybody can beat everybody, if they play good,” Rune told Tennis Channel on Thursday. “Against the Top 10 guys, I know I’m going to have to play my best. If not, I’m probably going to lose.”
On Friday, in the quarterfinals, Rune will play another Top 10 opponent: His old friend, doubles partner, and fellow 19-year-old, Alcaraz. It will be a rare all-teenage battle at this late stage of a Masters 1000. Rune doesn’t have the Spaniard’s gasp-inducing speed or shot-making skill. But he can muscle the ball with anyone, he plays with an intelligent mix of aggression and margin, and he’s not overly in awe of anyone. Last year, in their only meeting, Alcaraz beat Rune at the Next Gen Finals. It didn’t take them long to make their marks at the senior level.
“I’m super excited to see how I’m going to handle everything,” Rune said.
Obviously, tennis doesn’t need players who make up stories about their opponents, the way Ruud says Rune did in Paris. But it takes all kinds to make a tour—heroes, villains, legends, babies. On Friday, Alcaraz will likely be the crowd favorite, but Rune will create his own buzz with his game and personality. Sounds like a future to me.