French Open 2023: 'There was drama' - Holger Rune and Casper Ruud set to meet a year on from explosive row

Wednesday’s blockbuster match between Holger Rune and Casper Ruud in the French Open quarter-finals will evoke memories of last year’s heated battle between the highly-rated Scandinavians. The pair are set to meet again in a rematch of last year’s fiery last-eight clash when Rune accused Ruud of showing him a lack of respect as a spat between the tennis stars also embroiled their parents. Ad The row erupted when Rune claimed that Ruud gloated in his face after winning 6-1 4-6 7-6(2) 6-3 on the night.

Roland-GarrosFrench Open order of play, Day 11 – Swiatek in quarter-final action against Gauff, Rune meets Ruud8 HOURS AGO Rune’s claims were denied by Ruud’s camp, with his father Christian telling Eurosport: “It is simply a lie from Holger.” In response, Rune’s mother Aneke said: “One thing is that you shout in my son's face. Another thing is that the father is lying to the press." The war of words intensified with Ruud accusing Rune of lying in a Eurosport Norway interview. “It never happened.

It’s a big lie. It’s disappointing that he creates lies about me,” he said. Carlos Alcaraz hails display against Stefanos Tsitsipas as 'one of the best matches in my career' Carlos Alcaraz sets up mouth watering Novak Djokovic clash 'I'm disappointed in Holger Rune' — Tim Henman reacts to 'clear' double bounce controversy Although Ruud leads the head-to-head series 4-1 heading into Wednesday’s epic encounter, Rune will take confidence from coming from behind to beat his rival 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2 at the Rome Masters in May.

“Obviously there was drama last year and I hope we can make less drama this year,” Rune said ahead of the rematch. “We played each other in Rome. It was a good match, I think.