Rune and a curious anecdote with Nadal in Saudi Arabia: "You think he shouldn't retire.."

Carlos Navarro | 30 Oct 2024 | 19.07

Holger Rune. Source: Getty

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Holger Rune is very close to putting an end to a season of many ups and downs. What could have been the year of confirmation in the elite, of taking a step forward and getting closer than ever to Alcaraz and Sinner, has turned into a roller coaster where fluctuations on and off the court have been constant. Back with his lifelong coach, Lars Christensen, and motivated to build a good dynamic, Holger is already through to the round of 16 in a tournament that brings back great memories, the ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2024. In statements to Tennis Channel, he recapped his season, talked about the Six Kings Slam, and revealed an amusing encounter with Rafael Nadal.

- Memories of his incredible title in 2022

"Of course, I remember almost every moment of what happened in 2022, from the first round with Stan to the last with Novak. They are great memories that make me really excited for this tournament. My only goal is to show my best tennis, I love the conditions, the surface is practically identical on Court 1 and the Central Court, only on Court 1, the atmosphere is a bit different. I have good memories of both courts, very happy with my level."

- You have 43 victories this year: How do you summarize your season?

"That's 43 victories... when you win 43 matches, it's hard to label it as a bad season, really. It has been a decent season. It hasn't been the best, but maybe I can call it good if I achieve a great result here in Paris. I have been consistent, but I haven't shown any great brilliance, so I hope to keep building a good dynamic. I've also reunited with my former coach, Lars (Christensen). Together, we have always been successful and I have achieved my goals, so I am very happy to be back with him."

- Interesting details from your experience in the Six Kings Slam

"It was an... interesting experience (laughs). It was very fun, it was great to compete in such a small event. I only played one match, against Carlos, but being able to train with the guys all week and spend time with them off the court... I already know them, but it made us a little closer, we had many activities together. It was really fun, honestly. Many of the activities we did were thanks to Novak (smiles), many were his ideas, he wanted us to dance, it was great. Novak always manages to bring us fun things, we had a great time together."

- About whether you usually check the draws at each tournament

"I always look at who I will face in my next round, maybe the next two rounds, but I can't afford to look too far ahead because all tennis players are extremely good, and if you don't put 100% of your concentration into your next match, you will lose. I just want to focus on my next match: today was Bublik, tomorrow will be Cazaux or Ben Shelton, and in the next round, I don't even know who it will be, although I know Alcaraz is on the opposite side."

- About whether you usually get inspiration from other players to improve or if you just focus on yourself

"A bit of both. I think inspiration is important, but I always try to be a beast, whether in training, preparing, or in a match, I always want to push myself to the limit. Of course, you get inspired by players like Djokovic or Rafa. I remember training with Rafa in Riyadh, and you can be surprised: the guy is almost retired and trains with such high intensity, you think: 'You shouldn't retire.' He's had an incredible career and has done so many things, there's a reason they are Rafa and Novak, both give their all in every practice."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rune y una curiosa anécdota con Nadal en Arabia Saudí: "Piensas que no debería retirarse..."