Holger Rune Rune says ‘disappointing’ US Open court allocation not to blame for shock first round exit

The fourth seed was beaten by the 30-year-old Spaniard 3-6 6-4 3-6 2-6 in what was the biggest early upset of the final Grand Slam of the year.

Ahead of the event, Rune posted a tweet in which he appeared to criticise tournament organisers for putting him on Court No. 5.

He was asked after the defeat to world No. 63 Carballes Baena if that affected his performance.

“No, I just did it kind of for fun,” Rune said of his tweet. “I mean, of course I was a bit not happy when I saw the schedule, but I saw the schedule Friday so I had time to recover from it. It’s not like I can’t play tennis if I play not on centre court.

“I played probably more matches on outside courts in my life than big courts, so all good. Yeah, I didn’t play good, I think.”

He added: “It’s not difficult, but it’s different. You’re more close to all the people. It’s a nice atmosphere. So, I mean, it’s no problem with the court. I just didn’t expect to play on that court.

“I feel like it’s normal. I mean, as best as you get in the ranking, the more benefits you should get with playing in better conditions. So I think that’s a normal way and it’s also how ATP do with all the players. But they didn’t do it with me here.

“That’s obviously disappointing, but not going to blame the court on the loss. He played very, very solid. Credit to him.”

The 20-year-old revealed he did seek an explanation from organisers for why his match wasn’t worthy of one of the stadium courts, but wasn’t surprised by the response.

“They said what we all know, that they put the Americans on the big court, which is totally fine.

“I mean, I’m used to play a lot in France where they do that. So I respect that 100 per cent.

“That’s not only the case here, that it’s only Americans playing on the big courts. That card didn’t really work. Then you try to ask more questions and they don’t answer you. It’s a little bit tough.”