Holger Rune has expressed his desire that he wants to be part of a trio of young stars to replace the big three of tennis. Rune enjoyed a breakout season in 2022 by improving his ranks from outside the top 100 to inside the top 10 with his biggest win coming at the Paris indoor Masters 1000 event where he defeated Djokovic in the final in the best of three sets (3-6, 6-3, 7-5). In the process, the highest ranked Danish male player in history became the first men’s player to beat five top 10 players at the same tournament.
On his way to well-deserved success and stardom, the 19-year old pedigree has ruffles some of his fellow players so much so that Stan Wawrinka labelled him as a ‘baby after their R1 match in Paris. The #8 on the ATP tour has recently defended himself while talking to an Italian newspaper, “I’m not arrogant, I am just passionate about what I do. I want to win, but I also want to put on a show on the court. I think it’s very good that there’s a variety of characters on the circuit, otherwise it would all be very boring.”
When questioned about the next-gen of players who will replace Nadal, Federer and Djokovic upon their retirement, he responded:
“One of the trio I hope to be me, then [Carlos] Alcaraz, who has already shown that he knows how to win Grand Slams, and finally [Jannik] Sinner. He has an incredible attitude. He looks like he’s been on the tour for a lifetime but he’s just 21, and every time he plays he shows improvement”.
Head to Head: Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
The 19-year old Dane has secured victories against both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
As top next-gen operators, the three players have shown great consistency at a time when Big three are fading from the picture.
Here is a full head to head between the trio.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Holger Rune: 1-1
In their last meeting at Paris Masters quarter-final Rune beat Alcaraz 6-3, 6-6 (retired).
Holger Rune vs. Jannik Sinner: 1-0
In the only meeting between the next-gen fellows, at Sofia Open semifinal Rune beat sinner 5-7, 6-4, 5-2 (retired)
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz: 2-3
In their most recent clash Alcaraz picked up Sinner 7-6(4), 6-3 at Indian Wells Semifinal.
Holger Rune currently sits at #8 in ATP rankings, Jannik Sinner has just slipped from the top 10, currently holding #11 spot and Carlos Alcaraz has reclaimed the world #1 rank.
Rune will not be able to add to his growing kitty of 3 ATP titles this week after losing to Taylor Fritz in the R4 at Floridian Masters. However, a promising Sinner and roaring Alcaraz are into the quarterfinal where they will be up against Emil Ruusuvuori and Taylor Fritz respectively before potentially facing each other in a blockbuster semifinal.