Holger Rune, the 22-year-old Danish tennis star, has added a dash of humor to his rivalry with Novak Djokovic as they prepare for the Cincinnati Open, a key stop on the road to the 2025 US Open. Known for his fiery competitiveness and fearless attitude, Rune recently took a playful jab at the 24-time Grand Slam champion, poking fun at Djokovic’s habit of arriving late to matches. “Djokovic is one of the players who is late the most often. But it’s Novak, so it’s okay,” Rune quipped with a grin, his comment sparking laughter and highlighting the camaraderie that underpins their intense on-court battles. As Rune gears up for a potential clash with Djokovic in Cincinnati, his lighthearted tease offers a glimpse into their unique relationship, blending respect, rivalry, and a touch of mischief.
Rune’s remark came during a press conference following his strong showing at the Citi DC Open in Washington, where he reached the semifinals before falling to Andrey Rublev in a tight 7-5, 6-4 match. The Dane, currently ranked No. 9, has been in fine form, bolstered by a new addition to his team: renowned fitness trainer Marco Panichi, who previously worked with Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. “We will welcome Marco Panichi to the team,” said Rune’s mother and manager, Aneke Rune, emphasizing Panichi’s experience in building Grand Slam champions. This strategic move signals Rune’s ambition to elevate his game, particularly on hard courts, where he aims to challenge the sport’s elite at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 event, set for August 7-17, 2025.
The playful dig at Djokovic’s punctuality stems from their long-standing rapport, forged through years of competitive encounters and mutual respect. Since their first meeting at the 2021 US Open, where a then-18-year-old Rune pushed Djokovic to four sets, the Dane has been a thorn in the Serbian’s side. Their head-to-head record stands at 3-2 in Djokovic’s favor, but Rune’s victories, including a stunning upset in the 2022 Paris Masters final, have cemented his reputation as a fearless competitor. “I think I had chances to go up 3-0 in the second set. I didn’t do it. He managed to come back,” Rune reflected on their 2023 ATP Finals clash, a three-hour epic that Djokovic won 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3. Despite the loss, Rune’s ability to push Djokovic to the limit underscores why he’s seen as a future world No. 1.
Rune’s comment about Djokovic’s tardiness also nods to a broader narrative of their dynamic, which blends on-court intensity with off-court warmth. Djokovic has long praised Rune’s work ethic and potential, noting, “He looks to me as a player that is ready for big things.” The Serbian, who mentored Rune as a teenager during practice sessions, once shared advice about shot control: “He told me never to go more than 70, 80 percent on every shot, to make sure it’s safe enough, but still with good quality,” Rune recalled. This guidance has shaped Rune’s game, evident in his improved serve and relentless baseline play, which he’ll need in Cincinnati’s fast conditions.
The Cincinnati Open is a pivotal moment for Rune, who reached the semifinals there in 2023, defeating players like Casper Ruud before losing to Djokovic. This year, with a bolstered team and renewed confidence from his Barcelona title and Indian Wells final, Rune is eager to make a statement. “I still have the same belief and there is still hope for the tournament,” he said earlier this season, reflecting his unshakable ambition. His recent collaboration with tennis legend Andre Agassi has further fueled his drive, with Rune crediting Agassi’s insights for sharpening his mental approach.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is coming off a knee injury that sidelined him post-Roland Garros, but his return to form at Wimbledon—where he reached the final—proved his resilience. The Cincinnati event will see him chasing a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title, but Rune’s youthful energy and tactical nous could pose a threat. Their 2024 Wimbledon encounter, a straight-sets win for Djokovic, was marred by controversy over crowd chants, with Djokovic mistaking “Ruuuune” cheers for boos. “If you don’t know what was happening, probably it sounded like ‘boo,’ but it was my name,” Rune clarified post-match, diffusing tension with his characteristic poise.
Rune’s playful jab about Djokovic’s tardiness adds levity to their rivalry, but it also underscores his growing confidence. “I enjoy playing him, it’s a big battle,” Rune said of Djokovic, acknowledging the challenge of facing a player who “is not missing from the baseline in every corner.” As both players descend on Cincinnati, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation for another chapter in their rivalry. Will Rune’s newfound physical edge, courtesy of Panichi’s training, give him the upper hand? Or will Djokovic, ever the master of timing—on and off the court—prove why he’s the sport’s enduring titan? For now, Rune’s cheeky tease has set the stage for a showdown filled with fireworks, both competitive and comedic.
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