Rune Aims to Keep Feet On the Ground Despite Comparisons With Top Players

Wednesday, 03 May 2023 at 21:30

Updated at Sunday, 17 August 2025 at 17:34

byAlex Waite

Holger Rune said he feels happy amongst the ATP top ten but also wants to remain humble.

The 20-year-old player has made an impressive start to life on the ATP tour over the last two years and is currently ranked number seven in the world. After winning three ATP titles in 2022, Rune has continued his success in 2023 and has already lifted the Munich Open title after he defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in the final.

Due to improved consistency, the Dane currently has the sixth-highest win percentage amongst ATP players over the past year, as recorded by SpilXperten who he talked to. However, while Rune feels it's a privilege to challenge the likes of Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Carlos Alcaraz, he still believes in keeping a level head.

"I go a little 'wow' when I read it. It's probably very good that I don't make those comparisons myself, but stay down to earth. It looks fantastic right there, but I've only been on the tour for barely two years, so I haven't achieved a fraction of what they have yet. They are good role models. They have set the bar high, and the next generations will probably unconsciously work from that - myself included."

- Rune told SpilXperten

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Also, Rune explained that his development is a work in progress and that he constantly strives to improve his game so he is ready to take on the best players in the world. The Dane also believes hard work is essential and eliminates any chance of luck when facing the top ATP players.

"When you compare and look at my development step by step in isolation, my results seem very natural... That I am getting a little better all the time and beating better players. I would like to continue with that. I think it's fun to develop, and I have a lot I still want to get better at."

"I'm working on getting better all the time. So it is not by chance or luck that I can do what I can. I work purposefully on individual parts of my game, but also a lot on playing the tennis I like. I have a good foundation, and I don't really have any restrictions, so I really just have to be free and play what I want."