“Holger Rune Emerges as Top 10 Contender in ATP Tour”

Ever since his triumph at the Paris Masters in November 2022, his name has been on everyone’s lips: in the final against Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune demonstrated his great potential and, despite falling behind in a set, snagged his first title in the 1000 category (3: 6, 6: 3, 7:5).

A few months later, Rune ranks seventh on the ATP Tour. His final opponent Andrey Rublev prevented him from triumphing at the Monte Carlo Masters, but the 20-year-old is again in the final in Rome.

While Alcaraz surprisingly had to say goodbye in the third round at the dress rehearsal for the French Open, Rune played big.

Rune stalks Alcaraz

A circumstance that gives hope for a regular exchange of blows between the two youngsters, thinks Ivan Ljubicic. The former coach of tennis legend Roger Federer sees Rune on the best way to advance into the spheres of Alcaraz.

“Rune believes in himself very much,” Ljubicic explained in an interview with the “Gazzetta dello Sport”. “It’s important to have that urge to always want more.”

According to Ljubicic, Rune and Alcaraz differ in their approach. “Alcaraz is calmer, more mature, more aware and able to handle situations on the field better,” summarized Ljubicic.

Since April 2022, Alcaraz has conquered four Masters titles, the US Open and even the lead in the world rankings – the limelight seemed to shine solely for the young Spaniard. However, with regard to Rune’s recent run of success, Ljubicic is certain that the Dane will soon catch up with his Spanish opponent.

“I don’t see a big gap between the two. In fact, it’s getting thinner and thinner,” he underlined.