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

Day 2 of the US Open was off to yet another thrilling 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 to his side. However, in a rather light-heart moment, Twitter fans struggled to understand the in-stadium crowd and in particular their chants.

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 as the crowd ‘booing’ the Danish international.

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

So was i couldn’t figure out what was happening

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) September 1, 2021

I was confused and thought they were booing too. They’re chanting “Rune” #USOpen

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) September 1, 2021

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

Ruuuuune sounds like Boo in New York

— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) September 1, 2021

Thankful 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. Relentless attack and a never-die mantra, he battled against Novak in a tie-break and won claimed the second set. With the scoreline tied at 6-1, 7-6, Djokovic fans lie watch on the edge of their seats, knowing what’s at stake?

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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.

Aug 31, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot against Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune of Denmark in a first round match on day two of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

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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