Rune Content with Focus After Triumph Over Mpetshi Perricard; Bergs Stuns with Two Match Point Saves in Shanghai
Rune currently holds the 12th position in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin.
Date: October 07, 2025
Image Source: Getty Images
Holger Rune triumphs over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, advancing to his third ATP Masters quarter-final this season.
Article by Sam Jacot
In a thrilling match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Holger Rune edged out the formidable Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-3, inching closer to clinching his first ATP Masters 1000 title in nearly three years.
The Danish star, who celebrated his first Masters 1000 victory in Paris 2022, showcased remarkable resilience. While he captured only 27% (17/63) of points on Perricard’s serve, he executed two pivotal breaks, ensuring his place in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought battle lasting two hours and 30 minutes. This victory marked his 2-1 lead over the 32nd seed in their Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters.
“I managed to break him twice despite his strong serve,” Rune reflected. “He proved his caliber against Fritz, so I knew it would be tough on this surface. Conditions were better today, and I’m pleased with my mindset. Though I was frustrated after dropping the second set, I regrouped and entered the third set with determination.”
Rune’s most notable performance this year occurred at Indian Wells, where he finished as the runner-up to Jack Draper. Eager to maintain his momentum, the 10th seed will next face either Tallon Griekspoor or qualifier Valentin Vacherot.
Currently ranked 12th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, Rune is 945 points shy of eighth-placed Lorenzo Musetti, who is still in contention in Shanghai. Should he claim the title, Rune would increase his points total to 3,290. The 22-year-old aims for a second appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals after an early exit in 2023.
Earlier in the day, Zizou Bergs showcased remarkable tenacity, saving two match points to defeat Canadian Gabriel Diallo 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(8), marking his debut ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance.
The 26-year-old rallied from a 4-1 lead in the final set and braved match points during the deciding tiebreak at 6/7 and 7/8 before clinching victory on his third match point, enduring a tense battle lasting two hours and 49 minutes.
When asked about the experience of saving match points, Bergs remarked, “It was likely easier to save those points since they were on his serve. Converting chances on my serve is often smoother, but every point needed focus. I had to actively chase down every opportunity since he didn’t give me any free points.”
Bergs becomes the fifth Belgian man to reach the quarter-finals at a Masters 1000 event and the second in Shanghai, following in the footsteps of David Goffin (2016, ’24). Rising six spots to No. 38 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, he is set to achieve a career-high on Monday. Looking ahead, Bergs is set to face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
“This means a lot, and I believe my reaction showed that,” said Bergs, who collapsed in elation after securing his spot in the last eight. “It’s incredible, and I feel like my path is evolving uniquely. At 26, I’m consistently pushing towards my career high. I understand it won’t always be a smooth journey; I’ve faced challenges this year, but I’m excited to explore my potential.”
