Arthur Cazaux stuns Holger Rune at 2024 Australian Open
What's the story
Arthur Cazaux produced a solid display to oust eighth seed Holger Rune 7-6(4), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and reach the third round at the 2024 Australian Open. 21-year-old Cazaux put on an exhibition of clean baseline hitting, backed by slices to outsmart Rune and register a stunning upset inside Margaret Court Arena. After going two sets down, Rune responded but Cazaux kept his nerves.
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A unique record for French wildcard Cazaux
As per Opta, Cazaux is the second French wildcard to make it to the third round of the Australian Open after Nicolas Escude in 2004 during the Open Era.
Numbers
World number 122 Cazaux marked his maiden AO appearance
Cazaux is ranked world number 122 as he downed eighth seed Rune in what is his maiden appearance at the Australian Open. Cazaux has made two appearances at Roland Garros, losing in the first round each time. He was also ousted in the first round of the US Open in 2023. Overall, this is his fourth appearance in Slam events.
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29 aces served across two matches
In the opening round, Cazaux defeated Laslo Djere in five sets (6-2, 6-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2). He served 11 aces. Meanwhile, he doled out another 18 aces versus Rune. Notably, he clocked an 82% win on the first serve. He converted 3/8 break points.
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Cazaux to face Tallon Griekspoor next
Cazaux managed 51 winners in a three-hour and 22 minutes duel against Rune. The Frenchman's next opponent in Melbourne will be versus Tallon Griekspoor. The Dutchman defeated Arthur Fils 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.
Run
Cazaux started 2024 by winning the Open Nouvelle-Caledonie
Cazaux started 2024 by winning the Open Nouvelle-Caledonie which is a hard-court event. It's part of the ATP Challenger Tour. Cazaux overcame Enzo Couacaud 6-1, 6-1 in the final to lift the crown. Notably, Cazaux is on a seven-match unbeaten run, having won five straight matches at the Open Nouvelle-Caledonie. He was the fifth seed in that tourney.
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Rune suffers his 10th Slam defeat
Rune's poor run at Grand Slams continued. He owns a 16-10 win-loss record. At the Australian Open, his tally reads 4-3. He made a first-round exit in 2022 and reached the round of 16 last year.