Ranked as the seventh-best player in the world, Holger Rune is facing a sudden dilemma in his coaching situation. Both Severin Luthi and Boris Becker, who had recently joined Rune’s team in the latter part of 2023, have unexpectedly left within a week. These departures have caught many by surprise, as Rune had high hopes for the upcoming season with the support of these two renowned coaches. However, Luthi and Becker cited their inability to fully commit and accompany Rune throughout the season as the reason for their resignations. Now, Rune must find new members for his coaching staff who share his ambitions and can provide unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.
Despite the setbacks, Rune remains grateful to Luthi and Becker, assuring fans that there are no hard feelings. He also promises to reveal details about his new coaching team soon. Rune and Becker had teamed up at the Paris Masters, aiming for a spot in the ATP Finals, which Rune successfully achieved. Unfortunately, Rune faced defeats against Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in Turin, failing to advance past the round-robin stage and ending his season. Concerns arose when Becker did not accompany Rune to Australia at the end of 2023.
In Becker’s absence, Luthi stepped in, and Rune began the new season in Brisbane. He showcased impressive performances, defeating Max Purcell, Alexander Shevchenko, James Duckworth, and Roman Safiulin to reach the final. However, Rune fell short in the title match against Grigor Dimitrov, losing 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and 16 minutes. Despite his valiant effort, Dimitrov’s experience proved decisive in crucial moments, and he claimed his first ATP title in over six years. Dimitrov’s strong serving, particularly behind the second serve, overwhelmed Rune, who faced nine break points throughout the match.
Rune faced a tough challenge in the opening round of the Australian Open, enduring a three-hour and 25-minute battle against Yoshihito Nishioka. After comfortably winning the first set, Rune faced resistance from Nishioka, who took the second set and had an opportunity to gain a two-sets-to-one advantage. However, Rune managed to break early in the fourth set and maintained a solid serve until the end. With 17 aces and 70 winners, Rune outperformed his opponent in both first and second serve exchanges. He saved six out of seven break points and applied constant pressure on Nishioka, securing three breaks and advancing to the second round. Unfortunately, Rune’s journey in the Australian Open came to an end after a disappointing 7-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 loss to Arthur Cazaux, who is ranked 122nd in the world. Rune’s early exit led him to pack his bags and return to Europe.
Holger experienced a slight discomfort in his knee, but we should not underestimate Arthur’s impressive display of tennis. Cazaux delivered 18 aces and 50 winners, skillfully controlling his shots and minimizing errors to just 30.
The French player aggressively attacked and dominated the rallies, throwing everything at his opponent from Denmark and celebrating a significant victory. Holger put up a good fight, but it was not enough to go beyond one set. He lost his serve three times, ending his campaign earlier than anticipated.
In need of more match experience, Rune requested a wild card entry in Montpellier last week, opting out of the match against Pablo Llamas Ruiz. The Danish player defeated the Spaniard with a score of 7-5, 6-2, asserting his dominance towards the end of the first set and securing a place in the quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old then faced Michael Mmoh and emerged victorious with a score of 7-6, 6-4, after a little over two hours of play. Rune served 17 aces and saved three out of four break points. He managed to break his American opponent twice out of nine opportunities, advancing to the semifinals and setting up a showdown against Borna Coric.
Holger found himself trailing 6-3, 4-1 before retiring due to an arm injury, choosing not to risk further complications. If he recovers in time, Rune will compete as the third seed in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, and we may witness a new face in his coaching team.
“Over the past 12 months, I have been experimenting with different coaching arrangements. I had been working with the same coach for 15 years, throughout my entire tennis career.
Finding the perfect match on the first attempt is not an easy task. I have gained valuable insights during this process, aiming to feel comfortable on the court and develop as I desire. My ambitions and goals are significant, and I require individuals who share the same vision and whom I can trust.
Therefore, I need people who can be by my side constantly, providing me with unwavering support and happiness. I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in this journey. Lars, Boris, and Severin, I appreciate you, and I will soon update you on my final coaching setup,” expressed Holger Rune.