Holger Rune battles back in Paris final, denying Djokovic 39th Masters title

Unseeded Danish teenager Holger Rune staged a stunning comeback to secure the biggest victory of his career by beating Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday.

Rune denied Djokovic a record-extending 39th Masters title.

The 19-year-old Rune, who is a friend and former junior doubles partner of top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, saved six break points when serving for the match.

Djokovic saved one match point when Rune double-faulted. But the audacious Dane took his chance on the next, whipping a forehand into Djokovic's feet that he could only volley back into the net.

"It means everything to me, a perfect way to finish the week," Rune said. "It's a privilege to share the court with Novak."

Rune, who is the same age as U.S. Open champion Alcaraz, slid on his back in disbelief after winning his first Masters title. He got back up and looked close to tears as he sank his head in his hands, then raised both fists in the air to celebrate a remarkable week where he beat five top 10-ranked opponents in a row.

Djokovic, who missed out on a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title, hugged him warmly at the net.

"I feel exhausted. It was an incredible tournament," Rune said. "I have so much respect for what [Djokovic] has done," Rune said. "I'm so proud of myself, it hasn't sunk in yet. The last game was one of the most stressful of my tennis life."

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Djokovic looked set to cruise to a 91st career title.

The sixth-seeded Serb wrapped up the first set with a love hold on serve, then had Rune 0-40 down in the opening service game of the second set.

Rune saved three break points and waved his arms to get the crowd going. They responded with