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Holger Rune seeks to channel his boldness into strength. Few young players have the ability to handle the pressure of a huge jump in the rankings with such confidence, while still setting very high goals for themselves. At a press conference prior to the start of the ATP 250 Adelaide 1, Patrick Mouratoglou’s pupil reaffirmed the words that caused such a stir during the pre-season, when he openly declared that he would fight to become world number one in 2023. His victory at the Rolex Paris Masters has placed him in a very high sphere of self-confidence. It remains to be seen if this is a driving force to keep progressing or a burden to climb the rankings by winning titles.
“My goal for 2023? To win a Grand Slam.”
“I’m very excited to start the season here. It’s amazing how things have changed from last year, when I was 103rd in the world at this point. I still believe I can improve after a season that has had its ups and downs, but which I consider fantastic,” said Holger, who reveals his goal for 2022. “I set myself the challenge of finishing the season in the top 25 a year ago and I finally managed to finish 11th. That’s what makes me believe that it’s possible to be number 1 in the world at the end of 2023. That will be my real goal for this year,” said a player who will play his first match of the year against Yosihito Nishioka, against whom he has not competed until now.
“I feel good with Patrick (Mouratoglou), on and off the court”
When asked about what his change in status means after his Rolex Paris Masters title, Rune is casual about it. “When you do things right, you earn the respect of the whole circuit, but at the same time, you make everyone even more motivated to beat you and know you more. I don’t think about that much, I just enjoy the process of learning and working hard to be better every day. All the matches are tough and I want to enjoy the challenge of this new season for me,” warned the tennis player under the tutelage of Patrick Mouratoglou, with whom he has an excellent relationship. “He will accompany me here as he did in Melbourne. We have a great time together on and off the court and he gives me great advice, both on the tennis and mental levels,” he said before talking about his chances at the Australian Open 2023.
“I can win the tournament”
“I think I can win the Australian Open. I know it will be very difficult because there are many players capable of doing it, but I will face every match 100%, ready to maintain full concentration at all times. It will be very important for me to get through the first two matches without suffering, because as I am still inexperienced, it is not advisable to spend too much time on the court and accumulate physical and mental fatigue. You have to be in great physical shape to win a Grand Slam and even though I still lack experience in five sets, I have the internal energy to win”, warned Holger Rune. His ambition is great, it remains to be seen if he will have the mental strength to hold on in Melbourne…
