Monte-Carlo Masters: Holger Rune Has Nothing but Adulation for Novak Djokovic as He Shares Past Anecdote

Danish tennis prodigy Holger Rune dropped some great compliments for the world’s number-one tennis star, Novak Djokovic. Over the years, Rune has improvised as one of Djokovic’s top rivals. Not just that but Rune also partnered with this Serbian tennis legend to practice together before the Monte Carlo Masters event.

Rune and Djokovic have made their practice sessions before the Monte Carlo tournament almost a tradition. This Danish tennis star defeated Djokovic for the first time at the Rolex Paris Masters 1000 event in 2022. Now, Rune spills the beans about Djokovic and delves deeper into what makes the Serbian tennis legend a true maestro in his field.

Holger Rune admits receiving guidance from Djokovic while calling him “one of the best of all time”

Before Rune started his Monte Carlo Masters participation, this Danish ATP star spoke about his annual tradition of practicing with Djokovic. Rune mentioned the impact of Djokovic’s guidance on his professional tennis career. He commented- “He has taught me a lot. He has always been very nice to me. I remember we trained here about five years ago, before I started playing Challengers, and he was very interested, asking questions, giving me advice and also opening up about what his career was like.”

Speaking further about Djokovic’s unique inspiration in his life, Rune said– “For such a young player, that means a lot. He’s one of the best of all time and feeling like he wants to help you is incredible. I admire him a lot.” 

Holger Rune’s compliment for Novak Djokovic expressed that this professional tennis star is a fan of the Serbian tennis legend. Rune’s respect for Novak Djokovic was expressed publicly after he defeated Djokovic in 2022.

Humble Holger Rune admitted that Djokovic is “tough no matter where” one plays against him

The Rolex Paris Masters 2022 was special for the Danish tennis star, Holger Rune as he defeated his icon Djokovic at this tournament for the first time. However, that couldn’t break Djokovic’s impression in Rune’s heart.

Next year before facing off against the Serbian star in the quarter-finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Rune said– “To be honest, I don’t think it’s going to be so different. Novak is an all-court player. I think he’s tough no matter where you play him. He’s shown that. He’s won Rome six times, I have to be at my best. Now [I need to] recover physically, try to be as ready as I can for tomorrow [and] try to play my best tennis because I will need that for tomorrow, for sure.”

Holher Rune’s revelation about Novak Djokovic showcased this Danish tennis star’s admiration for the world’s number-one tennis star. It also represented a humble and grounded side of Rune, who aspires to be like Novak Djokovic someday.

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Holger Rune Opens up on His US Open Match Against Novak Djokovic and His Breakthrough 2021 Season