Rising French Tennis Star Arthur Cazaux Takes Down World No. 8 Holger Rune in Australian Open

This is the feat of this start to the southern fortnight on the men’s side. No more no less. In the 2nd round of the Australian Open, Arthur Cazaux took the scalp of Holger Rune, 8th in the world. The Frenchman, astonishing in his strength and power, won consistently, notably with a superb quality of service. Plagued by injuries for years, here is the 21-year-old native of Montpellier, in the 3rd round in Melbourne. And maybe this is just the beginning.

It’s a great story that all sports lovers love. Arthur Cazaux, great hope of French tennis, finalist at the Australian Junior Open in 2020, had been confined to the shadows for several years. This is due to injuries which poisoned his existence and slowed down his progress for a long time.

Holger Rune – Arthur Cazaux

But for 16 months now, the Frenchman has been playing without any glitches. And that changes everything: he has gained 320 places in the ATP in a year and a half and will certainly enter the top 100 in a few days. This Thursday in Melbourne, he has just achieved the greatest feat of his young career by defeating an old companion from the junior circuit, Holger Rune, 8th in the world.

2 sets to 0 against Rune: How Cazaux concluded the second round

Powerful, precise, imperturbable

The strongest part of all this? There is nothing illogical about this success. The Frenchman was simply above the Dane today. Very solid in the exchange, he never showed the slightest sign of annoyance or frustration. Above all, he was able to count on his fatal weapon, service. With 18 aces and 82% of points won behind his first ball, Cazaux locked in his engagements, only being broken once, which actually cost him the 3rd set.

Rune punishes Cazaux, too soft on the fly: the 3rd set ball

But beyond that, the copy was almost perfect. The 21-year-old from Montpellier was especially remarkable for his consistency in the baseline tussles, remaining in the right balance. Without overplaying, he also did not hesitate to let go of his shots and his tennis.

Opposite, Rune alternated between the very good and the more hazardous. Capable of taking the ball very early and linking up half-volley rallies, the 8th in the world was also guilty of poor temperament and some forehand errors.

Perhaps he was haunted by ghosts from the past? In juniors, the Frenchman and the Dane had crossed paths six times and Cazaux had won five times!

“I was ready”: Cazaux drunk with pride after his “big fight” won against Rune

2024-01-18 12:32:00
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