Holger Rune made a winning start at the Masters 1000 event in Toronto. The young Dane bested Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6, 6-3 in an hour and 16 minutes for his 48th Masters 1000 win.
After the match, Holger wrote 'I'm back' on camera, withdrawing from last week's ATP 500 event in Washington due to back issues and overcoming an injury. Mpetshi Perricard stayed in touch in the fast and fluid opening set.
He wasted a set point at 7-6 in the tie break and experienced one break in the second set to propel his rival through. Rune claimed 13 points more than his rival and bested him in the pivotal area.
Signed, sealed, delivered 📨@holgerrune2003 passes the Mpetshi Perricard test 7-6(7) 6-3 and is through to the third round in Toronto. @NBOtoronto | #NBO25 pic.twitter.com/7F0RHNBoQI
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 29, 2025
Holger forged a 31-30 lead in service winners and had the upper hand at the net. They hit an unreturned serve in over half of the points, and Giovanni stayed in touch in rare baseline exchanges.
However, he could not follow the Dane's 23-10 ratio, with the more experienced player taming his strokes nicely and sailing over the top. Rune had the upper hand in the mid-range rallies, earning his victory in that segment.
The servers faced no issues in the opening set, providing 12 comfortable holds and reaching a tie break in super-fast 33 minutes. Mpetshi Perricard saved a set point at 5-6 with a forehand winner and landed a powerful serve for a 7-6 lead.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard & Holger Rune, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot
The Dane erased it with a powerful serve and drew the rival's mistake for his second set point at 8-7. Giovanni sprayed a double fault, losing the opener after 44 minutes and sending momentum to the other side.
Holger provided five fine holds in the second set and made a push on the return at 2-1. He passed his opponent at the net for three break points and seized the third following the Frenchman's double fault.
Rune held with an ace in the next one to move 4-1 in front and served for the win at 5-3. He held at love with a crafty volley winner, moving over the top and booking his place in the third round.
