Holger Rune has announced his split with Coach Patrick Mouratoglou, igniting debate about the rumored return of the Simona Halep who is currently serving a doping suspension.
The Dane started working with Frenchman back in early October after Simona’s suspension and has since then achieved some great success under Mouratoglou.
The teenager went on to clinch his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Paris and in process became the first man ever, other than at the ATP finals to fend off five top 10 players at the same tournament. Consequently, Rune climbed the top 10 ladder himself to become the highest ranked Danish player in the history.
Mouratoglou issued a statement on social media to confirm the end of the partnership with the world no.8, “Holger! We’ve successfully completed our mission and ended up having an incredible 6-month adventure, exceeding our original plan of 3 months. I have no doubt that your is bright. I remain your biggest fan and I keep an eye on you with the @MouratoglouAcad team.”
Rune responding in kind, thank Mouratoglou on twitter, “I had the opportunity to borrow Patrick for a limited period and we have had 6 educational and fun months together. Now it’s time to move on and use the learning on my own. Thank you Patrick for some great months together.”
The use of the word ‘borrow’ by 19-year-old has got people talking, with some thinking that it could very well be a clue for Halep’s return to the WTA.
The Romanian was coached by Mouratoglou when she was tested positive for the substance abuse, after losing R1 match of US open last year. Halep has denied every ‘knowingly’ taking the substance (roxadustat in this case) and described her suspension as ‘the biggest shock’ of her life.
Mouratoglou who has also worked with Serena Williams, Coco Gauff and Stefanos Tsitsipas, initially showed support for his pupil but there has not been much buzz since.
There were some reports about the Romanian getting a potential hearing at the end of February, however, other than that there is not much on the 2-time Grand Slam champion and about her return to the tennis.