Holger Rune’s focus for Paris Masters remains on the title defense despite ATP Finals qualification on the line

Holger Rune begins his title defense in Paris with a second-round encounter against 2021 US Open champion Dominic Thiem.

Holger Rune’s focus for Paris Masters remains on the title defense despite ATP Finals qualification on the line

Holger Rune (Image via: X)

Paris Masters defending champion Holger Rune arrives into the tournament with his final qualifying spot in the race to qualify for the ATP Finals on the line. The Dane has had some luck retaining his spot as the chasing pack has stumbled in their pursuit. But the World No. 7 is laser focused on his title defense, which he says “means everything” to him.

For me, Paris means everything because it's where I had my biggest title so far. So for now, Paris means more than Turin for me. I'm just going to put all my focus here to try to do as good as possible.
Rune explained In an interview with Eurosport
YouTube video

For context, the 20-year-old won the last edition of the tournament as he got the better of current World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in a close 3-setter. Rune defeated Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win his third career title and first Masters. As per the young tennis professional himself, the title win gave him a lot of confidence, and he would definitely try to repeat history. He further added: 

Try to do the same as I did last year. I know I can do it. I did it before, so I'm just going to fight fully to be able to get the chance.

Rune has had a turn of fortune since he added former player Boris Becker‘s services to his coaching team. He reached the semi-finals of the Swiss Indoors event in Basel in his first tournament under the German legend.

FS Video

Holger Rune happy with the improvements in his game under Boris Becker

World No. 7 Holger Rune has had a tough run on the tour since his quarter-final finish at Wimbledon earlier this year. The Dane attributed his struggles to an ongoing back injury. The bad run of form saw him slip 3 places in the world rankings from 4 to 7. The 20-year-old managed just one tour level starting from after Wimbledon to before the start of Swiss Indoors.

Holger Rune and Boris Becker
Holger Rune and Boris Becker (Image via: Open source)

This led to the Dane exploring changes in his coaching team, splitting with Patrick Mouratoglou and hiring six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker. Rune told Eurosport that he’s pleased with the improvements the German has brought to his game. Rune said: 

We've known each other for some years now and I thought that he has great experience both with his own career, but also as a coach. It was my own decision to look around to see what I thought would fit me. I feel like I thought this would be good and it turned out to be good. So I'm very happy and pleased with that.

Seeded 6th in the tournament, Rune begins his title defense in Paris with a second-round encounter against 2021 US Open champion Dominic Thiem.

In case you missed it :