Holger Rune 'needs a bit of that Kyrgios' claims former No.1

June 9, 2023

ATP Tennis Players, Nick Kyrgios, Roland Garros, Tennis News

Holger Rune ‘needs a bit of that Kyrgios’ claims former No.1

Holger Rune needed ‘mayhem’ in his match against Casper Ruud claims eight-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander, following the Dane’s second successive quarter-final defeat at Roland Garros.

Rune was beaten by Ruud, 1-6 2-6 6-3 3-6, in the quarter-final of the Paris major once again, however there was no drama like in 2022 and Wilander suggested that the 20-year-old could have benefitted from that.

“I don’t know if we can ever expect him to be a hundred percent committed professionally, emotionally, physically from the beginning of every match,” explained Wilander. “I just don’t think that’s his personality.”

The former No.1 continued, “I think he needs mayhem, he needs a little bit of that Nick Kyrgios, and he didn’t have that. He was flat and I think it’s a learning lesson for him, but again I don’t know if he has the energy to be because he’s so fired up in a way – but not with his tennis racquet in his hand.”

Rune and Ruud had a cold handshake at the end of their match in 2022, with the Dane accusing Ruud of showing him a lack of respect, and Wilander implied he needed a bit more of that fighting attitude in his disappointing opening two sets.

“I would have expected him [Rune] to get a little more fired up early in the second set,” Wilander continued. I mean, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe start talking to his box, start screaming at his box, start finding people in the stands, just to do something.”

“Eventually though he started actually, I think, getting a bit irritated with the other side of the stadium which is where Casper Ruud’s box is, and I think he was using that.”

The 58-year-old added, “He needs something. I think that’s going to be his strength, but it’s also going to be a weakness in certain situations.”

Ruud now goes onto play Alexander Zverev in his semi-final later today, as the Norwegian bids to reach the Roland garros final for a second consecutive year.

Holger Rune at Grand Slams

Rune has made huge breakthroughs on the ATP tour over the past year that have hoisted him up to a career-high ranking of No.6, however he is yet to surpass the quarter-final stage of a major in his young career.13

Here is his Grand Slam performance record to date:

Overall Grand Slam win-loss record: 11-7 (61%)

Australian Open

Win-loss record: 3-2 (40%)

Best Result: Fourth Round (2023)

Roland Garros

Win-loss record: 7-2 (78%)

Best Result: Quarter-final (2022 & 2023)

Wimbledon

Win-loss record: 0-1 (0%)

Best Result: First Round (2022)

US Open