'That's a vibe': Fans erupt over Novak Djokovic rival's pre-match act
Stepping out on court to face arguably the greatest ever player in Novak Djokovic is a daunting prospect for any tennis player, but one rising 18-year-old star already won the hearts of fans before the match.
Djokovic embarked on his quest for tennis immortality on Wednesday when he took to Arthur Ashe stadium to face young prospect Holger Rune.
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Standing in his way to a record 21 Grand Slams was the World No.145 from Denmark who was making his Grand Slam debut.
However, Rune made a stir on social media after viewers noticed his choice of bag as he was heading out onto Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 18-year-old conducted an interview in the tunnel before walking out to the biggest stage of his burgeoning career.
And fans noticed the debutant carrying an IKEA bag with his racquets.
While Djokovic rakes in millions with his sponsors, which include Lacoste, ASICS and Head, Rune hasn't reached a point where he is cocooned with brands.
Thus, Rune's modest choice of an everyday IKEA bag had fans swooning over the 18-year-old's entrance.
Leading tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg even quipped it was 'iconically Nordic' behaviour from Rune.
Iconically Nordic behavior. #USOpenhttps://t.co/0TPbMJO1sI
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 31, 2021
Holger Rune walking on court with an Ikea shopping bag is the most New York thing to ever happen at the US Open
— Mick Rouse (@mickrouse) August 31, 2021
Did Holger Rune just walk out on Arthur Ashe at the #usopen with an IKEA shopping bag?
If yes, that’s a vibe.— Stella Ko (@stellako) August 31, 2021
tremendous vibes from Holger Rune tonight walking on court to play Djokovic with an IKEA bag over one shoulder
— Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat) August 31, 2021
You have to root for the up and comer kid walking onto the court carrying an IKEA blue bag, against the world #1 player and GOAT candidate, right?
— Gordon Hendry (@GordonHendry) August 31, 2021
Holger Rune is using an IKEA bag for his stuff courtside and I am here for it. #USOpen2021
— citizen janey (@citizenjaney) August 31, 2021
#USOpen Rune with the ikea bag. Epic!
— AusMon21 (@AusMon21) August 31, 2021
@CharlesMcNulty gotta love this kid turning up to play Djoko with his stuff in an Ikea bag.
— Kevin Holohan (@KevinHolohan) August 31, 2021
All these big name tennis players with oodles of sponsorships and out comes this kid with a blue Ikea shopper. My heart
— Kristen (@TheHemicane) August 31, 2021
Did this guy just walk into his first match at the #USOpen with his stuff in an IKEA bag? I’m a fan.
— Kyle Thele (@Thele10) August 31, 2021
Quite a moment for this kid. pic.twitter.com/ECGKKN9E5L
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 31, 2021
Unfortunately, while Rune was able to stun the tennis world and take a set of the World No.1, the Danish star fell 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 after succumbing to severe cramp.
Novak Djokovic's quest for Grand Slam history
Djokovic goes into the year's final major of the year with the chance to complete one of the rarest feats in tennis - a calendar year Grand Slam.
The Serbian superstar drew level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's all-time record of 20 grand slam singles titles after capturing titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon in 2021.
If Djokovic can also add the US Open and complete the set, he will be the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to accomplish the feat.
Incredibly, Laver managed the remarkable feat twice after capturing a Grand Slam as an amateur in 1962, but he remains the only man apart from Don Budge in 1938 to win all four major titles in the same year.
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