Holger Rune will launch his 2023 US Open campaign against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena on Monday however, the 20-year-old appears to be complaining about his court allocation for the round 1 match.
As the ATP #4, Dane was hoping to land on one of the main courts in his opener at the Flushing Meadows but his expectations received a dent when was given court 5 instead of coveted Arthur Ashe, Louis Armstrong or Grandstand slots at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“Usopen site map. In case you can find court 5, this is where I play my first match Monday followed by 11:00 @usopen #seeyou #lovemyfans #loveyoursupport,” Holger Rune posted on X/Twitter.
During an interview with Denmark’s TV2, the youngster was asked if moving him to the inferior court 5 expressed “lack of respect” from US Open management.
The Dane responded: “I completely agree. It is two ATP managers/supervisors who always give me the worst courts. So that’s how it is.”
He was then asked: “You say they are the same two people. Is there anything in it?”
The ATP #4 replied: “100 percent [there is something in it]. But I don’t mind complaining about it. I have a tournament to win and I have to be focused. I have to do my best, no matter what court I’m on.
“There can be a crazy good atmosphere out on these small courts because everyone can come in and see them, so I’m really looking forward to it. But of course it is a strange planning.”
Rune is entering the season-ending New York major with a scrappy build-up after handing American Mackenzie McDonald a walkover respite in his the second set of R2 match at Cincy. He then announced the positive update on the quick recovery from the physical issue in a statement: “Small improvements on the back pain. Scan, X-ray, treatment and excellent team work between doctors in New York and Monaco and my team making me sure that I will be ready.”
The big hitting youngster also experienced an early exit at the Toronto Masters before Cincinnati while also pulling out of the Umag because of lumber issues as the injury eventually resurfaced in Western and Southern Open.
Should he progress, Rune who shares his half of draw with Tommy Paul is expected to meet the #14 American in the R4 and will likely have Stefanos Tsitsipas or 9th seed Taylor Fritz in the quarters.