Holger Rune compared to Novak Djokovic over emotional outbursts by ‘Coach’ Boris Becker

Becker recently confirmed that he's picking up a new coaching assignment with Holger Rune.

Holger Rune compared to Novak Djokovic over emotional outbursts by ‘Coach’ Boris Becker

(L) Holger Rune, (M) Boris Becker and (R) Novak Djokovic (Via Tennis majors and USTA)

The World No. 6 Holger Rune is set to receive coaching from none other than the legendary Boris Becker. It has been made official that the former German player will be coaching Rune. The six-time Grand Slam singles champion has previously coached the current World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

“Holger is a rough diamond that needs polishing. I like his emotional outbursts. I’ve already coached a player who was sometimes not completely at his wits on the court: Novak Djokovic. But that’s allowed,” Becker revealed in an interview with Eurosports.

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However, emphasizing the three key aspects on which he wants the 20-year-old Norwegian to work, he said that World No. 6 needs to show understanding, apologize for his mistakes, and work with concentration again. Expressing confidence in the plan, Becker said that he followed the same mantra during his largely successful career. Earlier this week, the German joined Rune for a practice session. 

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He added, “I like his emotional outbursts. I’ve already coached a player who was sometimes not quite at home on the court: Novak Djokovic. But that’s allowed.  I love tennis and when one of the best 20-year-olds in the world asks me if I want to coach him… if you say no, you don’t have much to do with the sport.”

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Holger Rune’s bad run of form continues at the Stockholm Open

Holger Rune is struggling to find form as he goes through the worst patch of his career. The Norwegian has managed just one tour-level win since his quarter-final exit at Wimbledon at the hands of the eventual champion and his good friend Carlos Alcaraz.

Caroline Wozniacki and Holger Rune
Holger Rune alongside Caroline Wozniacki (Credit : ATP Tour)

The sole victory came against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the round of 32 of the China Open. The latest disappointment came at the hands of Serbian pro Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the ATP 250 BNP Paribas Nordic Open in Stockholm, Sweden.

The result has dented his chances of confirming the final qualifying spot for the ATP Finals to be played in Turin, Italy. After the defeats in Shanghai and Beijing, the Dane had a chance to earn 250 points and close the gap between him and Alexander Zverev. However, Rune failing to go past the second round means he would not be able to go closer to Zverev and might even slip to the ninth position in the live rankings.

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