“I want to become a world leader,” Holger Rune reveals his ultimate career goal
Holger Rune is into his second semi-finals of the season after defeating Casper Ruud in the last eight of the Barcelona Open.
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Holger Rune (Image via X, The Tennis Letter)
Holger Rune’s career trajectory hasn’t matched the initial high expectations after reaching the top 4 of the ATP in 2022. The 21-year-old has struggled to be at his best in decisive matches of his career. However, he has been growing in confidence since the Indian Wells and has revealed his ultimate career goal.
Rune’s talent and efforts are undeniable. But he has not won a title since the BMW Open in April 2023 and has reached only two finals since January 2024. Last year, he exited in the first round of the US Open.
In January, he was ousted by Jannik Sinner in the fourth round of the Australian Open. However, this season, he has been playing some great tennis despite often suffering food poisoning in tournaments. He reached the final of the Indian Wells in March but failed to get past Jack Draper and claim the Masters 1000 title.
At the Barcelona Open, he got to the quarter-finals on Saturday (April 18) and was asked about his dreams. The Youngster revealed that despite achieving some of them he still hopes to win Grand Slam titles and become a world leader.
I have achieved some dreams, for example, winning the junior Roland Garros and becoming number one in my age group. But these were short-term goals. My final goal has not yet been achieved. To win a Grand Slam tournament and become a world leader. I think the main thing is to keep dreaming.
Holger Rune said via La Vanguardia
Rune will hope to end his title drought this season. The Dane’s lack of winning decisive matches has led to low confidence on the court and, most especially, struggle with poor, disappointing form.
Holger Rune reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open
Holger Rune got a step closer to ending his title drought at the Barcelona Open after producing an excellent performance to beat Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals. The 6th seed was the second favorite ahead of the match because of his poor record against the Scandinavian counterpart, but this time needed just an hour and 28 minutes to beat him 6-4, 6-2. After the match, the 21-year-old said the ATP sided with Ruud ahead of the match.
It’s no secret that ATP made a big deal about it on social media, our head to head. So thanks for that. But I just saw it as another match. Casper, I have bunch of respect for him, He’s a great player and I’m very happy to be able to beat him today. I think I played on my terms. I was very explosive and this is the way I want to play.
Holger Rune said via Barcelona Open Press
Rune’s victory was just his second win over Ruud in the eighth meeting on Tour. The Dane was forced to retire from Monte Carlo after food poisoning now he now has eyes on the Top 10 ahead of his clash against Karen Khachanov.
Casper Ruud to drop from the Top 10 after loss to Holger Rune
Holger Rune’s victory over Casper Ruud doesn’t look well for the Norwegian star. He has not been at his best this season, but ahead of the clay season, he was deemed the favorite to claim a title on the surface. But now that looks far from possible despite a few clay tournaments still to play.
This is because he hasn’t played to his standards on clay. In fact, he failed to reach the final of the Monte Carlo Masters after shockingly losing to Alexei Popyrin in the round of 16. In Barcelona, he was the defending champion but was stunned by Ruud in the quarter-finals. The loss will now see him drop from the Top 10.
He will be World No.15 in the ATP rankings by Monday. The Norwegian now has a lot to deal with as he enters the Madrid Open next week. He will need to battle hard and produce his best performance to get something tangible from the ATP 1000 event.
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