Holger Rune credits new coach Boris Becker for ATP Finals qualification after securing a spot in the quarters of Paris-Bercy Masters.
The Dane’s title defense came to end when he fell to the man he beat last year in the same venue for his first Masters 1000 title. Rune believes he owes Becker his place in the year-end championships and recognizes his help that pulled him out of a losing streak that looked to grow after US Open.
“It’s never easy to reverse a negative spiral like the one I went through, and he helped me do it,” the world No 7 told reporters.
“I’ve come back from almost nowhere, from a period where I was losing all the time in the first round to a big match like this against Novak, close to my best level. Two months ago, I would certainly have lost this match in two sets. It just goes to show how far I’ve come.
“It was a similar battle to last year, except that I was a little too passive this time,” added Rune on the Djokovic clash.
“I could have done a few things differently, I lacked a bit of courage at times. Maybe it was also him who made me more passive. Now I have to analyze all that so that I can come back stronger and try to beat him in Turin.”
Becker who just joined forces with the 20-year-old after rescuing campaign of his new charge from derailing at the end of the season, praised him for displaying “poise and perseverance” following a difficult last 8 encounter against his former charge and 2022 Paris runner-up, Novak Djokovic.
The 6-time GS champion praised the ATP #1 and #7 for putting on an enthralling show in the quarterfinals as he looks forward to the Turin championships.
In a post on X/Twitter, the former World No. 1, wrote: “Spectacular fight last night from both players. Congratulations [Novak Djokovic]. [Holger Rune] showed a lot of poise and perseverance. As his coach, I’m excited to work with such a promising young player. Now, the focus is on the ATP Finals. See you in Turin.”
Djokovic who has sealed 6 of his 24 Grand Slams under the tutelage of Becker, supported the young Dane’s decision of adding German to his team.
“I think it’s a very good decision from Holger to invite Boris to join his team,” Djokovic said.
“Boris is legend of our sport, someone that, you know, understands the game so well from a player’s perspective, coaching perspective.
“He’s been around the game for so many years. He’s seen and played against different players in different generations.
“Incredibly intelligent, smart man, very confident, obviously composed. You know, he was famous for his mental strength and ability to come up with his best game when he was facing the biggest pressure.”