Holger Rune’s family remembers when he switched Rafael Nadal poster with Roger Federer’s following a tough defeat.

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.

Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson
Kevin is a sports writer based in New York. With a degree in journalism and years of experience covering sports, Kevin is an informative writer who knows how to deliver an in-depth analysis. Whether it's the Yankees, the Knicks, the Giants, or any other team

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