Holger Rune calls for more "characters" in tennis amid Alexander Zverev-Daniil Medvedev feud
Hinting at Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev's recent feud, Holger Rune has opined that in order to boost its popularity tennis should have "personalities" who exhibit controlled aggression.
In the third round of the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, Medvedev saved two match points before beating Zverev 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(7). After the intense battle Zverev accused Medvedev of gamesmanship, which was followed by Medvedev asking Zverev to "look in the mirror."
During a recent interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Rune claimed it was impossible to imagine all the players having cordial relationships with each other.
"You cannot have 100 players in the top 100 and all of them are best friends with each other," he said. "There always will be some moments and things will happen like for example between Zverev and Medvedev. For us as players, it would certainly be easier if we would just handle it by ourselves so that it would not come out."
Rune also claimed that tennis needs to offer fans something more than just players hitting the ball back and forth. He added that it would be a positive sign if players could spice things up, as long as they remained within limits.
"But for the fans, for the public and to gain even new fans, it is cool to have some personalities and some things happen and come out," the World No. 7 said. "It has to happen a bit more than just hitting the ball back. Fans admire the sport but also characters. If you can show it to a certain point, then it is a positive thing for the sport."
On Sunday, Holger Rune defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(3) in the final of the BMW Open 2023 to lift his fourth ATP singles title.
Holger Rune looks forward to exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios
Holger Rune and Nick Kyrgios will participate in an exhibition event called the Energi Danmark Champions Battle at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 24.
In his interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Rine expressed his excitement about the match and stated that it would help promote tennis in the country.
"As a tennis freak, the more attention tennis gets in Denmark, the happier I am," the Danish youngster said. "What will help even more is the exhibition match in Copenhagen with me and Nick Kyrgios on May 24. It is a great feeling to attract more people to tennis and this match will certainly help."
At the 2023 Madrid Open, the sixth-seeded Rune has received a bye in the first round. He will face either Daniel Elahi Galan or Alexander Bublik in the second round.