From 'Small Boy' To Contender: Rune Explains His ATP Finals Journey
ATP
Holger Rune will make his debut at the ATP Finals against Novak Djokovic, and it's a full-circle moment for him after hitting with him a few years ago.
A 16-year-old Holger Rune was dreaming of becoming one of the best players in the world, and a few years later, he's there. After hitting with Djokovic at the 2019 edition of the event, Rune will play in the 2023 edition.
His first opponent will be none other than Novak Djokovic, and it's just a fantastic moment for Rune who is living his dream. He spoke about his emotions about his debut against Djokovic at the ATP Finals, remembering his 2019 experience.
It's amazing. Mostly knowing that there was a small boy practising being a hitting partner, to now competing against [Djokovic], it’s cool. I felt like I didn't want to miss a ball because I was afraid that they were getting mad at me, because you want to do the best for them. But now I don't want to do the best for him on the court.
It was a grind for Rune to get there as his losing streak over the summer put him in jeopardy of not making a cut. A good run in Basel together with a good run in Paris proved enough to secure a spot in Paris and it was well deserving.
He has been one of the best players in the world this year in spite of his summer struggles.
It's been it's been a big goal for me. Being in the season and in the moment, you don't think so much about it, but as we got closer and the race was very close for me with other players, it was a goal that I really wanted to achieve. I wanted it badly, and I got it, so I'm very happy and satisfied with that. Now we're here, so I'm just going to take my chance and do everything again.
