The match then turned when Djokovic missed a routine smash at the net on game point for a 4-1 lead, with Rune showing incredible reflexes to volley it back for a winner.
This let Rune back in the contest and he broke back with a fine cross-court forehand. Djokovic then had some massage treatment on his left thigh at the changeover and began to get agitated, remonstrating with his team.
A tired-looking Djokovic chopped a backhand long in the 11th game to trail 30-40, and Rune broke him again to serve for the match at 6-5.
It wasn’t over. Rarely is with Djokovic.
He drew on his experience as a 21-time Grand Slam singles champion to pressure Rune in a 12th game lasting nearly 20 minutes, but Rune held his nerve for his third title of the year and of his blossoming career.
Rune will enter the top 10 on Monday, where he joins Alcaraz
who is the youngest man to lead the ATP computerized rankings since they began in 1973.
“I’m feeling lovely to be honest, it’s the best feeling,” Rune said. “If you told me four weeks ago, I would be top 10 … I would be like, ‘What, sorry?’ Now I’m here, and I’m super proud.”
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports