Australian Open 2025: Holger Rune goes past Zhizhen Zhang in first round

Tennis star Holger Rune made it to the second round of the 2025 Australian Open after thwarting Zhizhen Zhang 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 at Melbourne Park on January 14. The star player lost the first set of the game but made his stellar comeback in the second and third sets of the game.

However, the 21-year-old tennis star again suffered a setback in the fourth set of the game but made his turnaround in the fifth and final set to topple the Chinese star to win the opening thriller of the first round.

The former world number four relied on the crisp ball hitting when it mattered the most in the game, smashing 62 winners over the course of three hours and 10 minutes of play, breaking Zhang in the final set of the game. The young tennis sensation is now set to face Matteo Berrettini in the next game.

Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Matteo Berrettini recalls his favorite memory of Rafael Nadal after first round win

Rune beats Zhizhen Zhang 4-6 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-4 at Australian Open

Holger survives.

Not an easy first round at all, but it should help him moving forward.

✅1st win of 2025

Ready to prove a lot of people wrong in 2025.

🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/afAkQpY7Yp

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 14, 2025

Holger Rune opens up on facing Matteo Berrettini next at Australian Open 2025

Also Read: Australia Open 2025: Taylor Fritz dominates Jenson Brooksby to win opening round

Holger Rune on facing Matteo Berrettini next at Australian Open:

“Very exciting match. We played twice last year. Two three set matches. Luckily I got to win those two. But let’s see. It’s gonna be a tough match. Matteo is a very very talented player. He’s shown it for many… pic.twitter.com/4L7R3TFlCI

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 14, 2025

Meanwhile, Holger Rune was ecstatic after winning the game against Zhang and talked about his special feeling after the opening round win. However, Rune also talked about facing Matteo Berrettini in the next game.

“It was an incredibly tough match. It got very close at the end. I’m super happy I got through. First win of the season, it’s always a special feeling. Just super happy to be in the second round, hope I can keep it going. Very exciting match. We played twice last year. Two three-set matches. Luckily, I got to win those two. But let’s see. It’s gonna be a tough match. Matteo is a very very talented player. He’s shown it for many years. Coming back from injuries and keeps raising his level. Looking forward to that match," Holger Rune said after the win.

Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Serbian ace Novak Djokovic commences 25th Grand Slam bid with resounding win