EXCLUSIVE: Holger Rune says the ranks of Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t scare him

In an exclusive interview with FirstSportz, Holger Rune talked about his playing style while facing players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev.

EXCLUSIVE: Holger Rune says the ranks of Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t scare him

Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune, Carloz Alcaraz (Images via Twitter, Getty Images)

The rise of Holger Rune in recent times has been impressive and he is doing justice to his being touted as one of the big things in tennis alongside youngsters like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Recently FirstSportz interviewed the Danish star where he talked in length about the GOAT debate, his toughest opponent, his challenges on grass courts, etc.

Rune had previously defeated Novak Djokovic twice (at the 2022 Paris Masters and 2023 Italian Open); and Carlos Alcaraz (at the 2022 Paris Masters) when the two players were ranked number one. When the Dane asked whether his playing style changes while facing the top players, the 20-year-old said though there is no difference in his game while facing them, it does require from him much more focus.

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Q. You faced three opponents when they were ranked World No. 1 and defeated Novak and Carlos but lost to Daniil. Has their rank made any difference in your playing style against them?

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“I defeated all 3 players. Novak in Paris and Rome, Carlos in Paris with a withdrawal in the deciding tie-break, and Medvedev in Monte Carlo. Their rank makes no difference in how I play. But for sure you know you need a lot of focus playing these guys. It’s not easy to win the points,” Rune said. 

Related: EXCLUSIVE: Holger Rune labels Novak Djokovic as the toughest opponent to prepare for, talks of challenging him for Wimbledon

Holger Rune reaches first career semi-finals at grass court tournament

EXCLUSIVE: Holger Rune says it's not easy to win against Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev
Holger Rune (Image via Getty Images)

After his quarter-final loss to finalist Casper Ruud at the 2023 French Open, Holger Rune played at the Queen’s Club Championship to prepare for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. Prior to this tournament, the Dane never reached the semis at a grass court event.

The World No. 6 registered his first victory against Maxime Cressy in straight sets at the Queen’s, followed by his victory over Ryan Peniston, and an impressive win over Lorenzo Musetti. His campaign was put to an end by Alex de Minaur in the semifinals with the score of 6-3, 7-6(7-2). He has a 33-12 win/loss record this season with one title, at the Bavarian International Open where he secured a hard-fought win over Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(7-3). 

Rune will play a warm-up match against former World No.1 and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray on Wednesday at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at Hurlingham. This will help both the players to prepare well for Wimbledon. 

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