A dramatic quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune was interrupted by rain late in the second set on Wednesday at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, where the Dane leads the defending champion 6-2, 4-5, 0/30 at the ATP Masters 1000.

Rune was under pressure serving to stay in the second set when the weather forced play to be suspended in Rome. The 20-year-old earlier raced to the opening set at the Foro Italico, where defending champion and top seed Djokovic appeared physically under par and was treated by the physio at 2-1 in the second set.

In typically resilient fashion, the Serbian raised his level and, after exchanging breaks with Rune, was just two points from levelling the match when the heavens opened.

Djokovic is chasing his seventh title in the Eternal City, and a record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 crown overall, while Rome debutant Rune is chasing his second title at that level after defeating Djokovic to win the Rolex Paris Masters last November.