Holger Rune Aims for Success at Roland Garros with Djokovic’s Guidance

PARIS, France — As the French Open approaches, Holger Rune is eager to make his mark on the prestigious tournament, with valuable insights from Novak Djokovic shaping his preparation.

Rune, currently ranked World No. 10, recalled his interactions with Djokovic at the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals when he was just 16 years old. He described Djokovic as “really kind,” offering advice that has influenced his game significantly.

“He was giving me advice and stuff like that. I really appreciated that,” Rune shared during a recent press conference. “It feels like a big privilege that he has been so nice.”

One piece of advice that stood out came from a conversation about shot selection. “He suggested I would never go more than 70, 80 percent on every shot to ensure quality without unnecessary risks,” Rune explained. This advice has helped him develop a more strategic approach to his game.

The 22-year-old has faced Djokovic six times, with Djokovic leading their rivalry 4-2. Their most notable clash came at the 2022 Paris Masters, where Rune claimed his first title by defeating Djokovic in three sets.

Despite his achievements, Rune’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations, losing early in the Madrid Open and the Rome Masters. As he gears up for Roland Garros, Rune believes his past experiences and Djokovic’s mentorship will guide him towards a better outcome.

<p“Feeling good again,” he stated ahead of his match against Roberto Bautista Agut. “It’s been not ideal clay preparation for me, but I’m happy to be here in Paris. It’s a tournament that I love so much.”

Rune aims to build on his previous quarterfinal appearances at Roland Garros in 2022 and 2023, as he looks to navigate a challenging draw and showcase his skills on the clay.