Holger Rune ‘glad’ of himself despite suffering a loss against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 ATP Finals debut

Holger Rune talks about his match against Novak Djokovic last night at the ATP Finals, terming it one of the best matches he has played.

Holger Rune ‘glad’ of himself despite suffering a loss against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 ATP Finals debut

(L-R)Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic. (credits: tennis.net, ATP Tour)

Danish tennis superstar Holger Rune has been enjoying a lot of attention and fame in recent times due to his intense potential. He has gone from a newbie at professional tennis to one of the leading prospects in the tennis world in no time, despite having made his debut in 2020. 

Although he hasn’t quite succeeded on the court like he did last year, he was high on confidence leading up to the ongoing ATP Finals, as he was going to clash against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. 

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The duo has enjoyed great battles in the past, and on Sunday, it was no different as the Dane lost his second match against Nole in just two weeks by a scoreline of 7-6, 6-7, 6-3. After a three-set thrilling encounter, Rune was nothing but praise for the veteran. 

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Rune focused on how he missed the chance to beat the current World No. 1 himself and also stressed taking the positives out of the game. That’s not all; the young sensation further opened up about coming back stronger in the next game. 

We have had great matches always when we played. Unfortunately, I couldn't do it today, but that's how it is.
Rune said via ATP Tours

Continuing further, he added: 

I have to look forward and take the things out of the match I was happy with, take the things out of the match that I wasn't happy with, and go back to the practice tomorrow and try to make them better.

Holger Rune praises World No. 1 Novak Djokovic despite suffering a loss against the tennis great

Despite losing the match last night, Rune talked about how he enjoyed the game and how the stakes were much higher compared to the match they had played at the Paris Masters last week, which also ended in a defeat for the Dane in a three-set thriller. Rune said:

I thought it was a higher level match than in Paris, that I’m glad. The result was pretty similar. Novak is an amazing player.
Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune shake hands with each other after their match. (credits: Sportsnet)

He said: 

I think physically I felt okay. Of course, I feel it. We played three hours. But I'm sure he also felt it a little bit. I think I tried to manage my energy as good as possible during the match, not use too much unnecessary energy, and stay calm and play the tennis that I like to play.

Rune further revealed how pleased he was with his performance last night and that he lived up to his own expectations against the great man. 

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