Holger Rune shocks Stefanos Tsitsipas at French Open

The so-called 'next generation' of men’s tennis is in danger of being usurped by an even younger breed at this year’s French Open after Stefanos Tsitsipas was sent packing by Danish teenager Holger Rune.

Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas, runner-up 12 months ago, is one of a handful of players still waiting to step in when the powers of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal finally begin to wane.

But the 23-year-old was outplayed by Rune, competing at Roland Garros for the first time, in a shock 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-4 defeat.

Rune joins fellow 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, the first time two teenage men have reached that stage of a grand slam since the 1994 French Open.

Spain’s Alcaraz could land another blow for the even younger guns on Tuesday when he takes on 25-year-old third seed Alexander Zverev, who like Tsitsipas is still hunting a maiden grand slam title.

Rune, who had not won a match at a major before arriving in Paris, had to save three break points in a nerve-wracking final game before getting over the line when Tsitsipas went fractionally long.

Gold star, @holgerrune2003 ⭐️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Ga4a5JfDhW

He said: "I was very nervous but at the same time I knew that if I go away from my tactics I will lose for sure.

"I tried to play my plan and it worked out so well at the end. It’s just so great to still be here.

"It was part of the tactic to be as aggressive as possible. Tsitsipas attacks every ball. I had to be aggressive, play fast, and I really like playing the drop shots. It worked out and I’m really happy."

Rune will face Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals.