Rune Explains Why Matches With Engaged Crowd Are Better For Fans & Tennis

| by Zachary Wimer

Holger Rune played an epic match against Jannik Sinner and the teenager wasn't shying away from getting the crowd involved.

Despite the initial support for his opponent, Rune managed to captivate the audience and harness their energy in a comeback win over Sinner, creating an electric atmosphere that not only enhanced his performance but also transformed the experience for the fans at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.

The match kicked off under less-than-ideal weather conditions, but it was Rune's relentless pursuit of the crowd's engagement that turned the tide. He understood that the energy of a charged audience could be channeled into a more exciting and memorable match – and he was right. As the game progressed, the crowd's energy only grew, making the match one for the history books.

"Not ideal weather to be playing in, in the beginning. It is what it is. It was an amazing crowd, actually, even though they were cheering for Jannik, I still think it’s fun to play like this."

Rune's candid post-match reflections shed light on the symbiotic relationship between players and the audience. He emphasized that matches with a highly-engaged crowd are not only more enjoyable for the players, but they also offer a better experience for the fans. When asked about his relationship with the crowd, Rune replied:

Rune bests Sinner in Saturday night Monte Carlo epic
Rune bests Sinner in Saturday night Monte Carlo epic

"My relationship with the crowd was awesome if you ask me. I think it was great. You had so much energy on the court, which is fun. I think if you ask the crowd, I think they would prefer that than two guys looking down and doing nothing. I thought it was a great match, I would probably say, not level-wise, but probably one of the best tennis matches that I've played in my life."

The young Dane's insights highlight the significance of crowd interaction in modern tennis. Gone are the days when players were solely focused on their performance, with little regard for the audience. Today's tennis stars understand the value of connecting with the crowd and using their energy to elevate the game.

Moreover, Rune's perspective has broader implications for the sport. It underscores the importance of creating an atmosphere that encourages the audience to participate and engage with the players. Stadiums and event organizers should take note of this and work on designing experiences that make tennis matches more immersive and captivating.

"I'm Much Better Than That" - Tsitsipas After Early Monte Carlo Exit
"I'm Much Better Than That" - Tsitsipas After Early Monte Carlo Exit

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