Holger Rune Explains Shift in Mindset for the Rest of the Season Following Davis Cup win

Holger Rune aims for a new approach to his career after Davis Cup match win.

Holger Rune Explains Shift in Mindset for the Rest of the Season Following Davis Cup win

Holger Rune (Image via X/ATP Tour)

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Holger Rune got back to winning ways at the Davis Cup. The Danish player is back to the winner’s circle after shocking early loss at the US Open.

A player who was considered to be on the same level as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Rune understands that he has his work cut out. Hence, the former Masters 1000 champion hopes to bring a fresh approach to his game until the end of the season. Rune said in the post-match press conference:

No doubt about it. I spoke to my coach after the match: the way I played tennis today for most of the time is what we want to see between now and the end of the season. I’m trying to be more aggressive, trusting the process within my game. I think I did very well today. I was telling myself not to think about the score, but to think about all the improvements I want to make in my tennis. At the same time, I was reminding myself to fight until the end, not only for myself, but for my country.

Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the ATP Tour in the past two years, winning the last eight Grand Slams. However, Rune has failed to replicate the same success as his rivals. He added:

This is a bit tricky, but you try to be a bit “selfish”: you focus on your own level and your own improvements as a player… and at the same time, you’re aware of the pressure you have in your position, you know you help the team and Denmark a lot if you win, so I tried to give my best.

The only big title Rune has won came at the 2022 Paris Masters. The Danish player beat Novak Djokovic in three high-quality sets to register his first and only Masters 1000 title.

Holger Rune puts Denmark in the ascendency

Denmark took control of its Davis Cup tie against Spain, moving 2-0 ahead after the first day of play. Spain entered the qualifier without world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 20 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, leaving the team vulnerable. Their absence quickly showed as Denmark capitalized on the opportunity.

Holger Rune (2)
Holger Rune (Image via X/Univers Tennis)

Holger Rune, ranked No. 11, opened the tie by defeating Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5, 6-3. Although Carreno Busta has dropped in the rankings due to injuries, he still pushed Rune in the opening set. The Dane fought back from a break down before sealing the set late and then controlled the second with sharper play.

The day’s surprise came in the second singles match. Elmer Moeller, ranked No. 109, upset Jaume Munar in three sets. Munar, at No. 37, entered as the favorite but struggled to contain the young Dane’s energy. With that result, Denmark only needs one more victory from Sunday’s three matches to book a place in the Finals.

The doubles will feature Pedro Martinez and Munar against August Holmgren and Johannes Ingildsen. If Denmark secures that point, the tie will end there. If not, Rune is scheduled to face Munar again, with Moeller potentially closing against Carreno Busta. Spain now faces elimination, while Denmark stands one step away from advancing.

Canada get on board in the Davis Cup

Team Canada secured its place in next year’s Davis Cup Qualifiers with a victory over Israel in Halifax. Liam Draxl and Cleeve Harper sealed the tie in Saturday’s doubles, defeating Jordan Hasson and Ofek Shimanov. Their 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 win gave Canada an unassailable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Jack-Draper-Felix-Auger-Aliassime
Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime exchange handshake at net after Davis Cup mach (Image via TSN)

The Canadians were broken late in the first set but responded with dominance in the second. They converted their first break chance, raced ahead 2-0, and never looked back. With three total breaks, they took the set 6-0 in just 23 minutes. Their strong serving ensured control, facing only one break point across the entire match.

In the deciding set, Draxl and Harper created chances but had to wait until the final game. With Shimanov serving at 4-5, Canada pounced. A missed volley by Israel gave them two match points, and Harper finished with a crisp volley winner to close out the tie.

Although Canada had already clinched, one singles match remained. Harper was scheduled to make his singles debut against Orel Kimhi. Canada will discover its 2026 Qualifiers opponent after November’s Davis Cup Finals, with ties set to be played in February.

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