"When he was 14-15, he was hitting with Stefanos" - Mouratoglou on Rune's growth
Holger Rune's new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou has recently explained how sharing a court with more experienced and established professional players has helped Rune reach the high level he has at such a young age.
The teenage Dane had a brilliant end to his season, winning the ATP 250 title in Stockholm, reaching the final in Basel, and then winning his first Masters 1000 title in Paris. It was quite an extraordinary run he put together to win the Paris Masters, beating five top 10 players in succession, and culminating in him toppling Novak Djokovic in the final.
Rune has recently added Patrick Mouratoglou to his team, following Mouratoglou's former charge, Simona Halep, spending time away from the court due to personal, professional and physical issues.
The partnership has paid dividends, and the French coach has explained how practising with established professional players from a young age has helped shape Rune into the young force he is today.
Speaking to the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast recently, the Mouratoglou said, "The experience of Holger being a hitting partner at the ATP Finals was incredible. I know he still thinks about how important it was for him being able to play with the best in the world".
He added, "Same also at my academy, when he was 14-15, he was hitting with Stefanos, with Daniil Medvedev, guys like that. For a junior, and at 15 you are very very junior, it's an incredible experience."
"Also, it feeds your appetite, you see them, you want to be them one day. To be able to hit with them one day, you feel you're getting closer to your dream and it brings extra motivation, so it's only positives. When you are lucky enough to have this chance, it's great".
"I believe it is very important for players to be able to play with the best for many reasons. An obvious reason is the quality of tennis they get and you know the more you're challenged, the more you are able to improve. Also, it gives you so much information about yourself, because the best in the world show you where you are weak, where you should improve," the Frenchman stated.
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