Jannik Sinner took his revenge for a loss a year ago at the Monte Carlo Masters on Friday as he defeated Holger Rune 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in a chaotic quarter-final.
Volatile Dane Rune, who beat Sinner in a 2023 semi-final, erupted during the 11th game of the second set as the massively pro-Italian crowd peppered him with jeers.
The 12th seed made a relatively benign “chattering” gesture to the hostile public with the fingers of one hand, drawing a surprise warning from the chair umpire. Rune argued the call with the tournament supervisor to no avail.
But he collected his thoughts enough to save three break points in the game and hold for 6-5 before winning the set in a tiebreaker after saving two Sinner match points in the ensuing tiebreaker.
Rune was unable to convert on six break points in the dramatic second set, with Sinner running out the winner in the third.
Sinner, who holds three titles this season, got back into rhythm as he pulled off the victory in two and three quarter hours on his third winning chance.
“It took a lot to win,” the world No. 2 Italian said. “Playing him on an occasion like this is never easy.
“I’m happy I won today. I raised my level when I needed to. This was a very physical match and the general feelings are good.
Sinner said he held his concentration during the Rune incident: “It’s all a learning experience, we know each other’s games quite well.
“I tried just to focus on my side.”
He added: “Things can happen, there can be a little chaos. But it’s all part of the learning process.”
The reigning Australian Open champion Sinner will bid for his fourth final this season on Saturday when he faces two-tiem Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Greek defeated Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2 in their quarter-final.
“It will be a big match for both of us,” Sinner said of the encounter.
“Stef is playing well on clay, he’s very tough here. This will be a big match for both of us.”
