Holger Rune chasing qualification for the 2023 ATP Finals after injury setbacks have pushed him on the edge of missing out

Holger Rune will return to the tour with the China Open.

Holger Rune chasing qualification for the 2023 ATP Finals after injury setbacks have pushed him on the edge of missing out

Holger Rune (Image via Tennis.com)

World No. 4 Holger Rune who has faced major setbacks due to injury this year is still hopeful of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. Rune is back on the tour as he readies to compete in the China Open. The Danish ace has got the issues with his back fixed and hoping for a longer run in the tournament, unlike the 2023 US Open. 

Rune was knocked out of the year’s last Grand Slam after losing in the first round. At The Cincinnati Masters as well as the Canada Open, Rune had a first-round exit. In fact, the 20-year-old is on a seven-match losing streak. Now, as Rune gears up to open his campaign at the ATP 500 tournament against Felix Auger-Aliassime, he is hopeful of making an impact. 

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Speaking to the media ahead of his first-round match, Rune said that his main goal is to play at the ATP Finals which are scheduled to take place in the second week of November. Rune also talked about defending the title at the Paris Masters later this year but said that he just does not want to focus on these things a lot. 

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“One of my goals is to be able to reach the ATP Finals in Turin at the end of the year. I have to defend Paris, but above all, I really want to return because I have very good memories from last year. I played my best tennis there. But yes, once again, I have good opportunities here in Beijing & in Shanghai to do well, so I can relax a little more and not be completely stressed about these tournaments, about the points,” said Rune.

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How can Holger Rune qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals?

Despite seeing a huge slump in his form, Danish ace Holger Rune stands a chance to qualify for the year-end ATP Finals. Currently ranked 4th in the world, Rune needs to win an ATP 500 and an ATP 1000 tournament to stay relevant in the race to the ATP Finals. Three players- Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev have already qualified, being ranked top three in the world.

Holger Rune
Holger Rune (Image via China Open X)

However, the competition for the five left spots is fierce. Alexander Zverev earned 250 crucial points after winning the Chengdu Open. Meanwhile, the other players will have a chance to seal a spot during the China Open. The ATP 500 tournament can prove to be a turning point for Rune who has been pushed on the edge after his seven losses on the trot.

The 20-year-old has four major tournaments- China Open, Shanghai Masters, Austria Open, and the Paris Masters he can target to strengthen his qualification chances for the ATP Finals. But it is to be seen if Rune can manage to play these many tournaments on the trot considering he is returning from an injury.

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