'I had the expectation that I looked like Roger Federer' - Holger Rune replicates iconic shot at Indian Wells

React to this story

Holger Rune is through to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Indian Wells Open after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-4 in the last 16. During the match, the Dane produced a phenomenal 'tweener' that was reminiscent of Roger Federer's shot from his match against Novak Djokovic at the 2009 US Open. Rune will now face Tallon Griekspoor in his next clash in California.

Rune

Image credit: Getty Images

Holger Rune said he felt like Roger Federer after pulling off an incredible 'tweener' winner during his 6-4 6-4 triumph over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last 16 of Indian Wells.

World No. 9 Tsitsipas lobbed Rune while 40-15 ahead in the eighth game of the second set, but the Dane channelled his inner Federer to produce a phenomenal 'tweener' to win the point.

The superb shot was reminiscent of Federer's iconic 'tweener' in the semi-finals of the 2009 US Open against Novak Djokovic.

Gstaad Men's Singles -

Tsitsipas wins 'marathon' at Swiss Open for first title in 16 months - 'It was decided on destiny'

19/07/2026 at 18:48

But despite winning the point and the match, Rune admitted his shot was not quite on the level of Federer's effort from 16 years ago.

"I think it felt better on the court, actually, but it also looked good on the phone, definitely," he said during his post-match press conference.

"I kind of had the expectation that I looked like Roger Federer when I hit it, and I didn’t quite do that, so that was disappointing, you know. Definitely felt better."

The moment of immense skill turned the tide back in Rune's favour as he battled back to claim the game and take a 5-3 lead in the set before holding serve to win the match.

The victory means he will now face Tallon Griekspoor in the quarter-finals in California.

The Dane believes it was one of the best 'tweener' shots of his career.

"That was such an important moment," he added in an interview with the Tennis Channel.

"I saw him hit that lob and I was like, ‘go out, go out, go out!

"It just clicked on the baseline and I thought, ‘what am I going to do?’ The first instinct was just to hit the tweener.

"I hit it to try to make it, but I didn’t expect it to land in… I hit that shot and it was just unbelievable.

"I think it’s one of the better tweeners I’ve hit in my life."

Tsitsipas was looking for an eighth straight victory on the ATP Tour but instead slipped to his fourth defeat in a row against Rune.

"Against a player like Stef, and especially (since) he’s in form, I knew I had to go on the baseline and not let him control the points, especially with his forehand," said Rune.

"I think we saw every time I let him take control after the serve with the forehand, he was on me. That was the most important, to get the return where he doesn’t like it. I was very composed and committed to the plan."

- - -

Watch and stream the 2025 tennis season on discovery+

Wimbledon Men's Singles -