A mother’s perspective: Holger Rune’s tennis journey and coping with criticism

Young tennis star Holger Rune's mother, Aneke Rune, discusses his tennis journey, mental health, and coping with criticism in an exclusive ATP podcast.

Holger Rune's Mother Opens Up About His Tennis Journey And Coping With Criticism

The ascent to stardom in the world of tennis is often accompanied by its fair share of critics and naysayers. Young tennis sensation Holger Rune, at the tender age of twenty, is no stranger to this reality. While his journey to the top has been marked by remarkable achievements, it has also brought its share of criticism, which, in turn, has affected Rune’s mental well-being. In an exclusive radio podcast by ATP Tennis, Rune’s mother, Aneke Rune, provides valuable insights into her son’s life, addressing various aspects ranging from the influence of social media on Holger Rune to his future aspirations and perspective.

Holger Rune’s rapid rise, from breaking into the top 100 at the beginning of 2022 to entering the top 10 by the end of that year, reflects his undeniable prowess in the tennis world. However, since his quarter-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon in July, Rune has struggled to regain his form. His mother emphasizes the pivotal role of mental health in such circumstances and highlights the importance of filtering out negative media comments.

Aneke Rune underlines that surviving the constant barrage of toxic social media reactions is a key challenge for famous athletes. She is confident that her son’s uniqueness and determination will drive his improvement. Rune’s mother acknowledges the mixed reception her son receives in the media but believes that it is imperative for the ATP and the tennis community to take measures to curb online hate and negativity. She stresses that hatred is not a constructive force in any way and highlights the significance of her son’s generation embracing their true selves.

From a young age, Holger Rune’s passion for tennis was evident, with any separation from the sport viewed as a punishment. Aneke Rune expresses her unwavering belief that Rune will learn to navigate media scrutiny effectively as he matures. In the face of poor form and the pressures of the social media age, Rune’s mother maintains a positive outlook for his future, commending his step-by-step approach to handling fame and criticism.

Aneke Rune reveals that Rune finds solace and relaxation away from media and fan influences, allowing him to recharge and refocus. She shares her confidence that it’s only a matter of time before Rune achieves Grand Slam success. Rune’s recent acquisition of a house in Copenhagen, with a more favorable environment for mental health, reflects his commitment to both his game and personal well-being.

Holger Rune’s passion for tennis and his dedicated approach resonate with his mother’s observations. Aneke Rune concludes by stating that as long as her son continues to strive for the right path and work on his consistency, she remains satisfied with his progress. With a promising career ahead of him, Holger Rune’s determination and resilience are set to drive his journey in the world of professional tennis.

Holger Rune in 2023

Holger Rune

19 - 11win/loss

Hard
10-5
I Hard
3-2
Clay
6-4
21 year old
LWLWLWWLWW
2024 Highlights

Ranked no.6, Holger played his last match on the 18th of October when he surrendered to world no.53 Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6(3) 6-2 in the 2nd round in Stockholm (draw).

This year the Dane achieved a 38-20 match record. The Dane conquered 1 title in Munich. Holger reached the final in Monte-Carlo and Rome.

He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Basel. The main draw will start on the 23rd of October.

Rune
Stockholm
Rune's Record

Holger Rune

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