Danish tennis star Holger Rune recently spoke about his current form and his strong desire to return to the top level of the sport after navigating a challenging period.
Addressing the drop in his ranking from a career-high World No. 4 two years ago to his current position at 13th, Rune admitted that the ranking accurately reflects his current level. He acknowledged making errors and frequently changing coaches, which he says affected him. “But now I understand my approach, my place on the court, and my physical form,” he stated.
When asked if overconfidence played a role, Rune clarified that it was the various changes that “threw me off track, I got confused.” He believes he is now “back on the right course,” emphasizing that reaching and staying at the top requires doing “everything precisely, without relaxing.”
Commenting on his peers, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are currently ahead of him, and the emergence of younger talents like Jakub Mensik and João Fonseca, Rune views Sinner and Alcaraz as established elite players. He expressed confidence in his ability to compete at their level, having played against them. Rune praised Sinner`s exceptional stability and defended Alcaraz against criticism, pointing out his four Grand Slam titles at a young age. He reminded that all players are human and can experience losses, asserting that Carlos “deserves respect.”
Reflecting on his childhood dream of becoming World No. 1 and whether reaching World No. 4 by age 21 fulfilled any part of that dream, Rune responded with a firm “No.” While he has achieved significant intermediate goals, such as winning the Junior French Open and leading his age group, he considers these secondary. “That`s not the main thing. My real goal is still ahead,” he said.
His ultimate aspiration? “To win a Grand Slam and become No. 1 in the world,” Rune revealed, concluding by highlighting the importance of continuing to chase that dream.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely