Rune: “There are only two consistent tennis players in the world, and I work hard to join them”

It burst with unusual force, but now it seems somewhat stagnant. Holger Rune is aware that he has not met the expectations placed on him in recent years, but also that he has the time, will, and conditions to achieve it. In a comprehensive interview, he talks about closing the gap with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

It would be foolish to question Holger Rune‘s candidacy for tennis glory, considering he is only 22 years old with significant room for improvement in all aspects of the game, having already won a Masters 1000 and reached the top 10. However, there is a sense of unease surrounding the young Danish player, not so much due to his improvable results, but rather his attitude on and off the court, as well as an evident technical and tactical stagnation.

In a conversation with TheGuardian, he addresses the question that haunts many minds: Can anyone disrupt the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner? Does Holger Rune have real chances to be that someone? “There have been days when I ask myself how I will be able to achieve it, but I am so motivated to find a way to do it that I always end up looking for ways to work harder and better,” says a man who has experienced many ups and downs with different coaches and is now back under the guidance of Lars Christensen.

– Rune believes he can win Grand Slam titles and thinks he just needs to be more consistent

“Since I was a child, it has been clear to me that my goal in life is to win as many Grand Slam titles as possible and be world number 1. My issue is not beating Jannik and Carlos, but having the consistency they are demonstrating, going far in every tournament they play. I feel that if I give myself opportunities to face them regularly, I will raise my level. Having been able to beat them, including Djokovic a few years ago, makes me believe I can achieve it,” reflects the Dane.

The truth is that his forehand remains weak, he has a volatile mentality, and there is clear room for improvement in his serve and decision-making. “We are trying to work with great intelligence and strategic vision so that progress is solid, and I can be a consistent player. Right now, there are only two consistent players in the world, and I believe I can be the third. I am a great player; I just need the mental willingness to learn more from everything I experience,” he explains.

Asked about his relationship with André Agassi, the Dane explains that it is an informal relationship. “It was my idea. I called him after Roland Garros because I wanted to know his opinion on my tennis. He has a very particular way of understanding this sport, we spend a lot of time together, and his opinion helps me a lot. We are going to talk on the phone after my matches. He has made it very clear that he sees me as a potential Grand Slam winner, and I am convinced I will achieve it,” he admitted.

– Comparison between Alcaraz and Sinner

“What Sinner has achieved is incredible. He has all the conditions to succeed and has shown how important it is to trust the process, grow, and optimize all resources. I have always felt more comfortable playing against him than against Carlos because he sets a better rhythm, and his shots come at a similar speed. Alcaraz’s variety is impressive; he can always do different things, making him unpredictable. I believe Carlos’s peak level is higher than Jannik’s, but Sinner’s average or lower-middle level is better than that of the Spaniard,” states Holger Rune, who mentions Draper and Fils as other possible alternatives to the current duopoly, besides himself.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rune: “Solo hay dos tenistas consistentes en el mundo y yo trabajo duro para unirme a ellos”