Rune: "There are only two consistent tennis players in the world and I am working hard to join them"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 23 Aug 2025 | 19.01

Holger Rune, how to beat Sinner and Alcaraz. Photo: gettyimages

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

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

In a conversation with TheGuardian, he addresses the question that plagues many minds: Can someone 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 figure out how 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 sees himself capable of winning Grand Slam titles and believes he just needs to be more consistent

"Since I was a child, it has been very clear to me that my goal in life is to win as many Grand Slam titles as possible and to become the world number 1. My problem 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 create opportunities to face them regularly, I will raise my level. Having been able to beat them, even Djokovic a few years ago, makes me think I can achieve it," reflects the Dane.

The truth is that his forehand remains weak, he possesses a volatile mindset, 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 the 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 readiness 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 about 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 will 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 faster pace, and his balls 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 the average or lower-middle level of the Italian is better than that of the Spaniard," affirms Holger Rune, mentioning Draper and Fils as other possible alternatives to the current duopoly, in addition to 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"