Rune’s opponent, the 14th seed Jack Draper asserted his dominance from the start, broke Rune’s serve early and never surrendered his authority on the match with a relentless serve and razor-sharp returns.
Reflecting on the final, Rune conceded that he should have adopted a more aggressive approach going into the match and capitalized on the opportunities that came his way.
“I think I could have done my part better," Rune said.
"Like the opportunities I had to play aggressive just weren’t good enough. I think it’s a matter of fact that I haven’t committed, I mean, I have been playing well in this tournament, been playing tactically very wisely but I haven’t played, like, fully committed to my aggressive game still.”
Rune has now played four finals at Masters 1000 level. He triumphed in his first of its kind at the Paris Masters in 2022, but lost in 2023 on clay in Monte Carlo and Rome.
The Dane highlights his play in the Paris Masters in 2022 as a school example of how he would like to play.
"Back then I was committed to my form of tennis," he said.
"When I was in stressful situations, I reacted by becoming more aggressive and going to the net more. Against Jack, I fell further back on the court, and that doesn't work against a player in good form.
"So I have to train to play more aggressively, so that I can give myself the chance to win the tournaments I compete in."
Rune choked back tears when talking about his family during his speech, saying: “I also want to say thanks to my family back home. They mean everything to me.”
Rune will now prepare for the next part of the "Sunshine double" when he takes part in the ATP 1000 tournament in Miami next week.