The so-called “next generation” of men’s tennis is in danger of being usurped by an even newer 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 or physical health of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and, notionally, Roger Federer, 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 teenagers have reached that stage of a men’s 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, another of the next cabs off the rank but 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.
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.
Tsitsipas said: “These kids are going to want to beat me badly because obviously they are chasing.
“I’m chasing too, but I’m at a different kind of position than they are. I’m hungry to beat them too. Now that they have beaten me I want payback.”
