Holger Rune has been proclaimed the new bad boy of tennis due to his passionate approach to the sport and the way he plays.
The Danish superstar is not one to back down during a match or after a match. His spat with Ruud last year translated from the courts to the podiums with both having choice words for each other. He's also not afraid to clash with crowds which is not something many of his contemporaries share with him which earned him this new bad boy image.
A lot of that comes from his incredible competitive spirit as well as the passion which he brings to the sport. A self-described tennis fanatic, Rune spoke to Eurosport exclusively on his season and this new image that has been pushed upon him.
I don't think so personally. Many players don't show emotions. Maybe the ones who show emotion they call them this but I don't agree. Of course everyone has their own opinion and I respect it. When people try to hype up something everyone is getting hyped about it.
Part of this new generation, Rune isn't afraid to show his emotion on the court though he agrees that not all emotions are equal. Sometimes it's good to show emotions and sometimes it can be bad but he's certainly not the type to actively suppress it.
Sometimes yes, sometimes not [good to show emotion]. It depends on the emotion. Now I'm 20, I'm still learning and trying to do what's best for me. Trying a few things here and there. At the end of the day it's the passion for the sport and I really like to compete and do everything I can do to win.
Whether he's a bad boy or a good boy, Rune knows how to play tennis and he'll be part of this sport for many years to come. Viciously ambitious, he'll keep being himself and see where it takes him. So far it's been working out for them.