Holger Rune has returned to winning ways at the Cincinnati Open, defeating Roman Safiullin in a tough second-round match.
The Dane has experienced a tough couple of months on the ATP Tour, after being branded ‘immature’ before exiting Wimbledon at the first hurdle.
However, the feeling around Rune has shifted in recent months, following his work with eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi and the hiring of Novak Djokovic’s former fitness coach, Marco Panichi.
Rune was seen working with Agassi at the Washington Open, where he was forced to withdraw through injury. The Dane has since competed at the Canadian Open, reaching the round of 16 before losing to Alexei Popyrin.
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Rune, who is still in contact with Agassi, spoke about their relationship after his opening round victory at the Cincinnati Open.
Holger Rune praises Agassi’s ability to remember specific points
Speaking to the Tennis Channel after his victory, Rune provided an update on his relationship with Agassi.
The Dane won his opening match in Cincinnati, defeating Russia’s Roman Safiullin 7-5 7-6.
Rune said: “It’s still ongoing. We’re still chatting a little bit on the phone. He just messaged me also after my match, so it’s nice. He’s such a nice guy as I’ve said.
“And also we spoke a little bit after Toronto as well, what I can do better, and we had some talk on the phone, small specific things that, you know, I can make it easier for myself and play better. So it’s always nice to share thoughts through him.”
Rune was then asked if Agassi was congratulating the Dane in his messages.
Rune continued: “It’s rarely congratulations [laughing] but it is also some very nice messages.
“But it’s much more about the game, what he sees you know. I think I don’t need any person to be there just to congratulate me and this is what I really appreciate about him as well, that he’s really there.
“He’s so much into tennis and into all the small things happening. You know, he remembers points you know, that I also remember, but I’m sure you know if you talk to probably whole of my team they don’t remember the points.
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“So he’s so much into it which is amazing. So I think it’s just really exciting to share this view with him.”
Holger Rune rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
With victory over Safiullin on Saturday, Holger Rune achieved something only three other players born after 2000 have accomplished.
As per OptaAce, Holger Rune is both the youngest Scandinavian and just the fourth player born since 2000 to achieve 50 ATP Masters 1000 match wins after Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Rune was aged 22 years and 100 days when he achieved the feat on Saturday.
Rune now faces a tough test against the in-form home favourite Alex Michelsen. The American performed superbly at the Canadian Open, defeating Lorenzo Musetti on his way to the quarter-final stage.