Holger Rune, once heralded as the next big thing in men’s tennis after his breakthrough victory at the 2022 Paris Masters, has faced a series of challenges since. The Danish star, who entered the spotlight as a teenager, has experienced his fair share of highs and lows, both on and off the court. His search for a consistent winning formula has seen several prominent coaches come and go. However, despite these ups and downs, Rune is setting his sights on 2025 as the year he will reclaim his place at the top of the men’s game.
In a recent interview with Tennis365 during the UTS Grand Final in London, Rune shared his determination to close the gap between himself and the elite players currently dominating the sport, such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev. While many would be focused on tweaking every aspect of their game, Rune believes his path to success lies in making subtle yet crucial adjustments.
What does Rune believe is necessary to take his game to the next level?
Rune is confident that he doesn’t need a complete overhaul of his game. Instead, he views the next phase of his career as a time for small but impactful changes. “It’s just small adjustments,” Rune explained. “I worked on a few things in the exhibition event with Casper Ruud, and I am continuing to develop them here at UTS as well.” He cites Zverev as a prime example of improvement, noting the German’s resurgence after injury. “Before his injury, he was consistently in the top five, and he’s come back even stronger. He’ll be a major contender for Grand Slams next year, and that’s what I want to do too.” Rune’s goal isn’t necessarily to win a specific tournament but to maximize his potential. “If I can do that, I believe I can win Grand Slams,” he added.
What has separated Alcaraz and Sinner from the rest of the pack?
Rune credits Jannik Sinner’s consistency and well-rounded game for his rise to the top. “Sinner has been a very complete player this year,” Rune said. “Alcaraz is the same; when he’s at his best, he’s also very complete. But there are areas where both could improve, which is remarkable, especially when you consider how much success Sinner has had this year.” Rune admires both players for their ability to keep evolving, which is something he strives for in his own career. “The great thing about tennis is that there’s always room to get better,” he observed. Rune is optimistic about his prospects, hoping to be in the mix with them soon.
Rune’s take on Djokovic’s surprising coaching move
When asked about Novak Djokovic’s decision to bring Andy Murray on board as a coach for the Australian Open, Rune was taken aback. “I didn’t expect someone like Andy,” he said, referencing the unexpected pairing. “But Novak didn’t have a coach, so he was looking for something new. I think he’s aiming to win more Grand Slams, and having Murray in his corner could be a great move.” Rune acknowledges the potential benefits for both players, though he’s uncertain of Djokovic’s ultimate motivation. “This year, Novak’s goal was to win the Olympics, and he achieved that. After that, it’s unclear what his motivation will be. We’ll see how the partnership with Murray develops.”
Does exhibition play help players in their preparation for the main tour?
Rune is a firm believer in the value of playing exhibition events like the UTS Grand Final in London, which provide a different kind of practice compared to the ATP Tour. “There are things happening in UTS that you don’t see on the ATP Tour, and it can teach you a lot,” Rune noted. “The first time I played in this format, it was tough, but I ended up enjoying it, and it definitely helps when playing regular tennis.” The unique rules in UTS, which demand intense rallies and focus, provide excellent cardio benefits. “We’ve been doing a lot of weight training recently, and now it’s time to work on my footwork. UTS is perfect for that,” he added.
What are Rune’s thoughts on in-game coaching?
Rune expressed a positive outlook on the use of in-game coaching in tennis, particularly with the rise of formats like UTS that incorporate it. “It’s fine,” he said, “but I also appreciate when players are out there making decisions on their own.” Rune recognizes that coaching from the sidelines has always been a part of the game, even if it wasn’t officially acknowledged. “Now that it’s legal, it’s good. It gives players a chance to have guidance when they need it most.”
As Rune continues to work on fine-tuning his game and build his career, 2025 is shaping up to be an important year for him. His combination of drive, adaptability, and growing experience suggests he may soon break through to the next level, joining the ranks of the sport’s most dominant players.