“I hate the GOAT discussion,” Holger Rune credits Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray for pushing the younger generation
2022 Paris Masters champion, Holger Rune claims that he 'hates' the GOAT debate, involving Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
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Holger Rune, Big Four
Holger Rune has established himself among the top players on the tour after a successful 2022 season. As the youngster sets his sight on the upcoming season, he gave his views on the GOAT debate, involving Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The Norwegian was pretty straightforward in his analysis on the subject, stating that he ‘hated’ the GOAT debate.
Holger Rune also added three-time major winner, Andy Murray into the mix, stating that each of the Big Four members have had exceptional careers in their own right. The Norwegian believes that the success of the past generation inspires, and pushes the younger generation to do even better.
“I think nothing about this to be honest. I hate the GOAT discussion. Because who won the most titles, who won the most Grand Slams, who was No 1 for the longest time. I mean all these guys are incredible. They achieved something that is history making. It pushes also the younger generations to what’s possible,” said Rune.
Holger Rune also claimed that the extraordinary records set out by the Big Four are there to be broken. The 19-year-old capped off a brilliant season with an unbelievable run at the Paris Masters, where he claimed the title after defeating Novak Djokovic in the finals.
“Records are there to be broken. And now the guys made us work even harder to break records. That’s good for the future of tennis. The level will increase even more,” he added.
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“Yes I do believe that,” Holger Rune talks about winning a Grand Slam title in 2023 and the younger generation
Holger Rune reached four consecutive finals to end the indoor hard-court season, where he claimed two titles in Paris and Stockholm. The Norwegian is optimistic about his chances in major tournaments next season, and backs himself to claim his first Grand Slam title.
Spanish teenager and US Open 2022 champion, Carlos Alcaraz is amongst the other promising names on the ATP tour. Holger Rune believes that Carlos Alcaraz and himself can raise the level of tennis in 2023, and challenge the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“I hope we can continue like that in tennis, raising the level even more. I think it is possible. Yes I do believe that. I am happy they are there because there is no doubt that they set a very high standard,” said Rune.
Holger Rune’s first big challenge in 2023 comes in the form of the Australian Open. The Norwegian, who was seeded 103rd at the 2022 Australian Open, was knocked out in the first round itself. The teenager was handed a five-set defeat by Kwon Soon-woo in the opening round. There will be high expectations from Holger Rune this time around, given that he is likely to enter the first major of the year among the top 15 players in the world.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic names the World Tennis League as his most joyful moment after a troublesome season
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