Rafael Nadal's will to win even when he's struggling physically is impressive: Holger Rune
Holger Rune, who is currently playing the Serbia Open in Belgrade, gave his views on a variety of subjects as part of a Q & A session on Twitter. Rune, who is currently the highest-ranked singles player in Denmark, lauded Rafael Nadal's will to win despite his age.
@Paquetos39 I think right now @RafaelNadal because he finds this will to win in every match he is playing even though he is not all young and his body must suffer from many years on tour . That’s impressive
"I think right now, Rafael Nadal because he finds this will to win in every match he is playing even though he is not all young and his body must suffer from many years on tour. That's impressive," Rune said.
The 18-year-old also mentioned that the Spaniard had been his first tennis idol when asked about who his idol was.
@sofimoranelli @RafaelNadal
Rune described Novak Djokovic as a complete athlete, stating that it was inspiring to have played against the Serb.
"For me Djokovic is so complete as an athlete and tennis player so it was very inspiring to share court with him not just for practice but a real match" Rune said.
The two met in the first round of the US Open last year, where Rune managed to win a set but eventually went down 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-1 against the Serb.
A bout of cramps Rune suffered after winning the second set led to a capitulation against an opponent he spoke highly of.
@Big3Tennis For me @DjokerNole is so complete as an athlete and tennis player so it was very inspiring to share court with him not just for practice but a real match
"I think I did well, I was prepared from the first point, played, took my chances" - Holger Rune on beating Cristian Garin
Rune caused an upset at the Serbia Open when he defeated fifth-seeded Cristian Garin of Chile 6-3, 6-1 in the first round and will now take on Taro Daniel of Japan in the second.
The Danish player, who has had an impressive run recently, winning the Sanremo Challenger in Italy, said he was pleased to come through against Garin, who is a claycourt specialist.
"I'm feeling good. It was obviously a difficult first round playing the fifth seed here and he's been doing really well on clay, his favourite surface. We all know he can be dangerous there. But I think I did well. I was prepared [from] the first point, played, took my chances and I'm very happy with [my] first victory here, the Dane added.
Holger Rune, who won the French Open boys' singles title in 2019 is now ranked World No. 72.
The Danish player made his ATP debut at the Argentina Open last year before winning his first Challenger title in Biella.
Holger Rune also became the second-youngest player after Carlos Alcaraz to make it to the top 100 in January 2022.