Holger Rune believes it is good that young guns have to face Djokovic for a reality check while admitting that the extremely high bar set by 24-time Grand Slam champion will push next-gen lot to raise their levels.
There had been talk earlier this season that the fresh next-gen talent including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune is ready for the change of guard and will take over the tennis’ big three of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
With Federer calling time on his illustrious career last year and Nadal missing most part of 2023 season due to injured hip flexor, only Djokovic stood in the way of the continuously charging youngsters. The legendary Serbian once again gave young rising stars a dose of reality (in Rune’s words) as he dominated everyone by winning Australian Open, French Open, US Open and year-end ATP Finals in Turin while also claiming the year-end No. 1 crown for record-extending 8th time.
Talking on the Advantage Connors podcast alongside Jimmy Connors, Rune confessed that Djokovic still dictates the order on the ATP tour while adding that he is happy to learn from the World No. 1.
When asked if the time has come for the younger lot to replace the existing establishment of Big Three, the 20-year-old responded: “Yeah, I totally agree. I have to agree and I do agree. But the fact is, Novak is still winning three out of four Grand Slams this year.
“So we cannot say that he is gone because we need to beat him like not just one time but like every time. I will try to beat him every time because if he keeps winning these big tournaments, why would he stop?”
He added: “I mean he is not going to stop until we beat him so the sooner we can get the level raised, the sooner we will take over. I actually like that Novak is still here because you know for us young players to really see what the real world is in a way, what the real deal is, you know.
“If you never experience Roger, Rafa or Novak, I think we would miss something and I think Novak is like extremely high standard and I think for us so close to see that is very helpful.”
The World No. 8 however, does feel the rivalry between Alcaraz, Sinner and him will be good for the sport after they get rid of the old villain Djokovic.
“For the sport, it is really cool, really great to have this rivalry between the three of us. We had the generation of Roger, Rafa, Novak, Murray [but] I think for the sport to grow I think it is really amazing to have this group of guys that can dominate the tour,” the Dane said.
“Not that we are doing it now, we need to do more. I am not saying we are dominating the tour already as Novak is still there. We need to try to get him out of there.”