Holger Rune swells in pride for going from Novak Djokovic’s hitting partner to facing him in the 2023 ATP Finals

Holger Rune looks back on his moment as a hitting partner of Novak Djokovic way back in the 2019 ATP Finals.

Holger Rune swells in pride for going from Novak Djokovic’s hitting partner to facing him in the 2023 ATP Finals

(L-R)Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune. (credits: Tennis365, Sports Glitz)

World No. 10 Holger Rune is currently regarded as the next big thing in world tennis. Having not had a big impact this season, fans were questioning the aims and personal goals of the Dane, but somehow he managed to make it to the ATP Finals. 

Last season, he was far ahead in terms of trophies and accomplishments but failed to book a spot for himself at the year-end tournament. However, now he finally has the chance to prove himself this year. 

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A report from ATP Media suggests that Holger Rune has spoken about his first group-stage match, which takes place on Monday. It will be up against Novak Djokovic, the very same player he played against as a hitting partner way back in 2019 at the very same stage. 

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For context, Rune was selected as one of the rookie tennis players to help all the top tennis stars in their practice sessions for the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals. 

It’s amazing. Mostly knowing that there was a small boy practising being a hitting partner, to now competing against [Djokovic], it’s cool. I felt like I didn’t want to miss a ball because I was afraid that they were getting mad at me, because you want to do the best for them. But now I don’t want to do the best for him on the court.

Holger Rune said via ATP Media

Holger Rune’s career so far

Holger Rune also stated his wish to keep going and not end up losing hope. He revealed how much he loves playing against Novak Djokovic, despite losing to him last week at the Paris Masters. Rune said: 

The only wish you can have for yourself is to try to play your best tennis and be the most focused on the court in your life. You have to be ready to give everything.
Holger Rune looks frustrated after losing a match. (credits: DR)

Continuing further, he added: 

I do enjoy playing him, because it's amazing to share the court with such a legend and we've always had great battles together. Last time in Paris was [last week], it was also another good battle. So I have to learn a little bit from that and do it a bit different this time, so I can get the win.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see how he fares against Djokovic this time out at the ATP Finals. 

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