Holger Rune appeared both recharged and rejuvenated as he sealed his first Tour-level victory at the 2023 China Open since all the way back in Wimbledon.
Holger Rune's year was in danger of fading out for a long time. He was on a considerably long losing streak by his standards and had largely lost the positive feeling and momentum he'd created throughout a successful clay court season.
As the year has developed, more players are now becoming aware of how to deal with the Rune game from a tactical point of view, but Rune simply has not been able to compete on a match court feeling in good health for quite a long time.
Luckily, the Dane and his team around him have prolonged the return to a point where he feels ready to win matches again. He started his return by beating the slumping Felix Auger-Aliassime in convincing fashion in Beijing. Rune talked about how he is feeling at present.
"It felt good. I’ve had a tough period, both with my body and match circumstances, so I’m just happy to be back feeling good. Feeling mentally well on and off the court. I’m just super happy with my level today. I was feeling very good. I didn’t feel anything in my body."
"This is good. I don’t mind muscle soreness, but I’m too young to have these kinds of problems, so it’s good to feel good out there. I’m feeling healthy, taking care of my body and I’m super happy to play without pain and just enjoy myself."
The reemergence of Rune on the tour makes things even more interesting and compelling. It can be quite easy to forget the success Rune has had at this point of the season and specifically in an indoor setting. His biggest title to date came at the Paris Masters in 2022, where he would go on to beat Novak Djokovic in a memorable final.
If Rune can make himself a part of the conversation and continue to pose a threat to both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, the tour will be in a much better place for it.
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