Holger Rune dismisses Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open chances ahead of a potential clash, chooses Novak Djokovic as favorite in Rafael Nadal’s absence

Holger Rune pegs experience over momentum by picking Novak Djokovic as his Roland Garros favorite over Carlos Alcaraz.

Holger Rune dismisses Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open chances ahead of a potential clash, chooses Novak Djokovic as favorite in Rafael Nadal’s absence

Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune (Image Credit: The Guardian)

Holger Rune has moved forward to the 2nd round of the Roland Garros after defeating American Christopher Eubanks in the 1st round. Though it was a shaky start, Rune came out on top of the match. At the post-match conference, he was once again asked to pick his favorite for the tournament. And without batting an eyelid, the 20-year-old picked the 36-year-old Novak Djokovic as his favorite for this year’s championship.

Holger Rune has maintained his stance that he believes Novak Djokovic could take this championship away and win his 23rd Grand Slam. This is despite the fact that he has defeated him twice. He even pegs him above Carlos Alcaraz, who has all the momentum by his side. Rune feels that with Daniil Medvedev out in round 1 and Rafael Nadal not playing, this is Novak’s Slam to win. Holger Rune said, “I think for sure it’s more open as Rafa is not here, but again, we still have Novak and we have Alcaraz.”

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But why is the 20-year-old constantly picking Novak Djokovic? Rune himself has defeated the player twice at a very high level. Once at the Paris Masters Final in 2022 and more recently in the Quarterfinals of the Rune feels that Djokovic’s Gran slam tournaments experience will trump all Djokovic has done 22 times before and twice at Roland Garros. Nothing can beat such a kind of experience. “I think still Novak must be the favourite as he has 22 Grand Slam, and so much experience in these tournaments,” said Holger.

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Novak Djokovic will play his second-round match against Marton Fucsovics. Fucsovics has issued a warning for Novak to watch out as he is going to defeat the World No. 3. Holger Rune will take on Gael Monfils in the second round. Holger Rune is apparently ready to do anything to win this tournament.

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Holger Rune wants to start with winning his first Grand Slam, preferably at Roland Garros

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Holger Rune (Credit: Instagram)

The 20-year-old Dane once said he wanted to win more French Open titles than Rafael Nadal. This was back when he was much younger than he is now. Little did he know that Nadal would win the 14th Roland Garros’. So far, Rune has not won a single Grand Slam title, and he wishes to start with at least one title. This ambition of his could likely be accomplished at Roland Garros in 2023 if he continues to play his game.

Holger has played well in the 2023 clay swing. He reached the final of two ATP 1000s: the Italian Open and the Monte Carlo Masters. Though he lost both finals, he played at a very high level. He won the Munich Open, which is an ATP 500 event. Rune fell short only in the Madrid Open, where he lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round of 32 in a very tight match.

He is currently finding his foothold at Roland Garros 2023. Rune himself is a heavy favorite this year. On many occasions, he has said he wishes he would win the title. But his second pick after himself is Novak Djokovic. Only time will tell whether the 20-year-old’s prophecy will be correct or not.

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