Holger Rune expects a “high level” from Novak Djokovic in their match at 2024 Wimbledon despite the Serbian’s knee surgery

Novak Djokovic has beaten 21-year-old Holger Rune thrice in five meetings.

Holger Rune expects a “high level” from Novak Djokovic in their match at 2024 Wimbledon despite the Serbian’s knee surgery

Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Danish tennis star Holger Rune is ready to face seven-time Wimbledon Champion Novak Djokovic in the fourth round at the 2024 edition of the Grand Slam tournament. The 21-year-old has faced the Serbian before, but it is different this time as Djokovic is playing in the tournament after recently undergoing knee surgery. However, despite this, Rune expects the 37-year-old to pose a tough challenge for him.

Rune said that he expects Djokovic to fight his way through as the Dane hailed the 24-time Grand Slam champion as the “toughest competitor of all time”. Rune also acknowledged the fact that Djokovic has undergone surgery but emphasized that he found the Serbian in good rhythm when he trained with him.

YouTube video
I expect a tough battle. It's always going to be like that when you play Novak. He's one of the toughest competitors of all time and one of the most successful. I expect a high level from him. I know he had surgery recently, but to be honest, I trained with him the first week and he seems to be moving very well, with confidence. I'll have to play my best tennis if I want to have a chance of beating him.
Holger Rune said in a press conference at 2024 Wimbledon. (H/T: Punto de Break)

Notably, the two players have met five times on the tour so far. Djokovic has won three of the five matches. Meanwhile, Rune has stunned the Serbian twice- at the 2022 Paris Masters and the 2023 Rome Masters. It is to be seen if Rune manages to level the head-to-head score in London.

FS Video

Novak Djokovic loves Holger Rune’s work ethics

While Holger Rune was all praise for his fourth-round opponent at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic also lauded the 21-year-old for his work ethic. Djokovic said that it is the most lovable thing about Rune for him. The Serbian also sees potential in Rune to do big things.

Holger-Rune-Novak-Djokovic
Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic share a light moment (Image via Tennis.com)
He's been a very dedicated guy. Once he sees something is off, he's going to go out on the practice court and he's going to work on it. That's what I always loved about him. He looks to me as a player that is ready for big things.
Novak Djokovic said in a press conference.

Notably, contrary to Djokovic’s analysis, Rune has not been playing to his potential in the 2024 season so far. The Dane is yet to win a title. In his last tournament, before the Championships, Rune suffered a first-round exit after losing to Jordan Thompson. However, the 21-year-old has been playing well at Wimbledon as he is in the fourth round.

However, Rune has only played against unseeded players so far. While he played Kwon Soon-Woo in the first round, Rune played Thiago Seyboth Wild in the second round. He then met Quentin Halys in the third round. Now, the Dane will be up against second-seed Djokovic.

In case you missed it: