Whopping $390,000 for 17 Minutes? The Curious Case of Holger Rune’s Luck at the Nitto ATP Finals 2023

The recent group stage match between two tennis giants, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune, generated much talk among the fans. But it wasn’t about the exhilarating tennis action on the court. It was due to the lack of it. The ATP Finals is known for the generous prize money on offer for the best eight tennis stars of the season. A part of it recently went to the Danish tennis star who, unlike in his first match, didn’t have to exhaust himself on the court.

In the ongoing showpiece event in Turin, the Danish sensation Holger Rune was rewarded with an attractive sum without having to break a sweat. The credit can be given to Tsitsipas and his sudden injury on the court.

Holger Rune and his 17-minutes jackpot 

Right in the thick of the ATP Finals, Tsitsipas and Rune’s group stage match had everyone holding their breath. Tsitsipas was trailing in the first set by a game to two. However, soon after the third game, he threw a curveball by calling it quits due to a pesky elbow issue. Fans and pundits were left scratching their heads with the Greek star’s sudden decision. They were desperately trying to figure out just how foul Tsitsipas’ arm trouble was and what kind of dent it put in his game.

But, in the case of his opponent, he certainly benefitted a lot more than points with the surprising withdrawal. In the blink of an eye, Rune’s fortune turned as Tsitsipas’ injury handed him an unexpected victory.

The spotlight shifted to the 4 ATP title winner Holger Rune, who spent 17 minutes on the court but left with a hefty $390,000. With only three games played, Rune secured 200 ATP points. However, he also showcased his prowess in a match that, for him, required minimal effort. The statistics reveal a fascinating story. As per the regulations, 13 points won out of 23, translating to $30,000 earned per point and an impressive $22,941 accumulated per minute.

While Rune’s swift triumph might be seen as luck, it underscores the unpredictable nature of sports. The tennis world will continue to dissect Tsitsipas’ sudden departure from the court. However, the fact is that Rune has emerged as the unanticipated beneficiary. This will undoubtedly do a world of good to his confidence as he suffered a heavy defeat in his opening match.

This win against Tsitsipas was a surprising yet delightful one for Rune. His recent loss while facing the World No. 1, Novak Djokovic, had created a need for victory within Rune. Despite playing a strong game against Djokovic, the match ended in favor of the Serb in three sets of 7-6(4),6-7(7), 6-3.

READ MORE: Roger Federer’s Epic Record Over Novak Djokovic Emulated by Holger Rune at ATP Finals Despite a Close Defeat

The road ahead only gets more challenging for Rune, as there are many more exciting players that he still has to encounter. As of now, making speculations would be useless. However, many fans hope that Djokovic will win the Finals this year, given his track record this season. 

What are your thoughts on the same?

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