“Couldn’t ask for a better birthday”: Holger Rune, now 19, reaches first ATP semifinal

MUNICH—What’s better than cake on your birthday?

Try cake after reaching your first ATP semifinal and after backing up your first Top 10 win over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev.

Holger Rune, who turned 19 on Friday, made the most of his special day in a very sweet way. Looking completely relaxed in a light practice session before the match, the Dane blitzed Emil Ruusuvuori, 6-0, 6-2, in just 62 minutes—converting five breaks of serve.

“It was a very good match from the beginning today. I was staying very focused like I did in my last round,” said Rune, who gets local hopeful Oscar Otte Saturday with a final berth on the line.

“The tactic again worked out properly. I really enjoyed my time.”

After a short on-court interview, the world No. 70 was presented a cake by tournament director Patrik Kühnen, a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist. When asked if he ever celebrated in this way before, Rune said, “Not on a court like this, playing a match in front of so many people. It was just an amazing atmosphere.

“I really couldn’t ask for a better birthday.”

Mom Aneke then came out for a photo op before exiting with the yummy baked good as her son signed autographs for fans eager to spread the birthday love.

Guard it closely, Holger!