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“I Was So Confused”: Kim Clijsters and Others React as Holger Rune Takes a Set Against Novak Djokovic

Published 08/31/2021, 9:28 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Day 2 of the US Open was off to an exciting start. After an enthralling day 1, fans once again gathered in the stands, gearing up for some breathtaking tennis. Headlining the action this time around was the man chasing history, Novak Djokovic. He was up against his Danish counterpart, Holger Rune. Undoubtedly, as the two ATP stars kicked off their campaigns, they guaranteed thorough entertainment.

A houseful Arthur Ashe stadium was at the heart of the action, giving both the players a roaring welcome. Quite interestingly, though, the American audience cheered on the 18-year-old youngster with the top seed not having much of the crowd on his side. However, in a rather light-hearted moment, Twitter fans struggled to understand the in-stadium crowd and, in particular, their chants.

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Rune>>>>boo

Playing against the World No. 1 requires extreme courage, might, and of course, stellar talent and skill that Rune displayed. Hence, as the match progressed, he turned into a fan favorite for his willpower and a shot at a fightback. However, as the chants of ‘Rune, Rune’ went all around the Arthur Ashe stadium, both fans and fellow tennis players misunderstood it for the crowds ‘booing’.

From the likes of Madison Keys to Kim Clijsters, all took to Twitter, clearing out their doubts in hilarious fashion.

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Former American tennis player Pam Shriver also took to Twitter, reacting upon the same.

Due to the commentators, they cleared up the misheard interpretation of the crowd’s support. Undoubtedly, Rune was deserving of every praise coming his way, provided it sounded like his name.

Up against a man chasing history, Rune was declared down and out after losing the first set 6-1. However, his fierce comeback in the second set had the crowd up on their feet. With relentless attack and a never-die mantra, he battled against Novak in a tie-break and claimed the second set. With the scoreline tied at 6-1, 7-6, Djokovic fans watched on the edge of their seats, knowing what’s at stake.

WATCH STORY: Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Other Tennis Stars Funny Moments With Their Kids

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Can Novak Djokovic make history?

Battling it out under the New York skyline, Novak Djokovic is fighting for a place in the record books of the game. After success at the Australian Open, the French Open, and the 2021 Wimbledon Championship, winning the US Open will make Novak the first ATP men’s tennis player to win the Calendar-Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

USA Today via Reuters

The World No. 1 is a favorite to win at the Flushing Meadows, given his consistent form throughout the season. However, an upset at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics raised a few eyebrows and doubts as the one deemed unstoppable returned home empty-handed. Can Novak make history at the US Open or will the wounds from Tokyo reopen to hurt him?

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Written by:

Melroy Fernandes

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Melroy Joseph Fernandes is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. A Mass Media graduate, Melroy has been a content writer for the past 6 years, curating stories for several brands, starting from his own. At the age of 17, Melroy began his writing Journey with Team BIB, an event management company for everything Art and Entertainment.
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