Tennis prodigy Holger Rune has seen a meteoric rise in the sport, which has been attributed to his intense competitive spirit and obsession with winning. This determination is echoed by his family, who has described his unwavering focus and drive from a very young age. As a result, Rune has experienced an impressive 2023 season, steadily climbing the ranking ladder and captivating fans around the world.
Obsession with winning
According to his sister, Alma Rune, Holger has always been a big fan of both Federer and Nadal, and would even dress like his idols during matches. After losing a final dressed like Nadal, he insisted on taking down a poster of the Spaniard and replacing it with an image of Federer. His mother, Aneke Rune, states that being second-best was never an option for her son.
Growth amidst limited tennis culture
Alma also explained that Holger’s development in the sport happened organically, as Denmark doesn’t possess a rich culture of elite tennis. He learned the game by playing against talented kids his age, instead of attending world-class academies with top juniors. This grassroots growth showcases the extent of Holger’s love for the game and his innate talent.
Impressive 2023 season
During the 2023 season, Holger Rune broke into the ATP top-10 and is currently ranked World No. 7. He reached the finals of the Monte-Carlo Masters and won the BMW Open. In addition, he achieved semifinal finishes at the Open Sud de France and Mexican Open tournaments. With a current deep run at the Italian Open, Holger’s future in tennis appears incredibly bright, giving fans high hopes for even greater success.