Jim Courier, a four-time Grand Slam champion, lauded the burgeoning talent of Holger Rune, highlighting the distinctive qualities that set him apart from peers like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
In a conversation on the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, Courier meticulously assessed Rune’s recent performances on the tennis circuit. He attributed the 20-year-old’s period of struggle following his quarterfinal exit at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships to injuries and frequent alterations within his coaching staff.
“Rune’s setback due to a pinched nerve in his back, coupled with instability in his coaching team, notably between Lars Christensen and Patrick Muradoglou, affected his clay court season. Subsequently, Boris Becker entered the scene this fall,” Courier explained.
Acknowledging Becker’s past success with Djokovic, Courier highlighted the potential impact of this new partnership on Rune’s development.
“Holger acknowledges Boris’s contribution to Djokovic’s career transformation. Djokovic, an established player, struggled with pressure in Major finals, and Boris helped him immensely overcome that challenge, shaping him into the player he is today,” Courier stated.
Rune’s development under Becker’s guidance represents a distinctive project compared to Djokovic’s situation. Courier emphasized the extent of work needed for Rune’s improvement across various facets of the game.
“Holger Rune’s journey requires work across multiple aspects. It’s an exciting prospect for Boris to shape not only Rune’s mindset but also refine strategies and address weaknesses. This collaboration presents a significant opportunity for both,”
Courier added, underscoring the potential growth through this mentorship.As Rune embarks on this developmental journey under the guidance of Boris Becker, the tennis world anticipates how this partnership will refine Rune’s skills and shape his career trajectory in the seasons to come.
Holger Rune in 2023
Ranked world no.8, Holger played his last match on the 16th of November when he lost to world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 5-7 6-4 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Currently, during this year Rune owns a 44-24 record. Rune has won 1 title in Munich. Holger was the finalist in Monte-Carlo and Rome.