Holger Rune shocks Novak Djokovic in eventful clash to reach Italian Open semi-finals in Rome

Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Italian Open after losing a rain-interrupted and occasionally heated match against Holger Rune. Defending champion Djokovic was outplayed by Rune, who recorded his second successive win over the world No. 1 after also beating him in the Paris Masters final in November.

Ad Rune recovered from a hotly-contested line call that went against him in the second set and also an hour-long rain delay to win 6-2 4-6 6-2. ATP Rome'You're an absolute joke' — Rune vents at umpire over disputed line call in Djokovic clash2 HOURS AGO Rune will next face Casper Ruud or Francisco Cerundolo, while Djokovic will turn his attentions to the French Open, which starts on May 28. The result means it is the first time neither Djokovic nor Rafael Nadal will be in the Italian Open final since 2004.

«It's really a big win for me,” said Rune in his on-court interview. “Obviously I did it last year in Paris as well, but every match is a huge challenge for me when I play against Novak. He's one of the greatest that's ever played the game.

I knew I had to be at my best and I said it yesterday, and I was today. I'm super proud of myself and I enjoyed every moment out there.» Rune made a strong start as he broke in the opening game with a backhand winner. The 20-year-old fended off two break points in the next game as he held for a 2-0 lead.

Djokovic looked below his best, missing with drop shots and not finding his range with his groundstrokes in slow conditions. Another break put Rune 4-1 ahead and he served out the set in confident fashion. But the second set swung on a contentious moment that appeared to go against Rune.