In the bustling atmosphere of the 2025 Italian Open, where the red clay of Rome’s Foro Italico sets the stage for tennis’s elite, Holger Rune, the world number 10 from Denmark, took a moment to reflect on a different kind of spotlight: the Netflix documentary *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*. Fresh off a hard-fought victory against Argentina’s Francisco Comesana in the second round, Rune shared his thoughts on the three-part series chronicling his longtime rival and friend, Carlos Alcaraz. “I think it’s good,” Rune said, his words carrying the weight of someone who has shared the court with the Spaniard since their junior days. His endorsement, delivered in a locker-room chat with Alcaraz himself, highlights the documentary’s impact, not just on fans but on the players who live the grind alongside the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Rune’s 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Comesana was a testament to his resilience, as he battled back from a set down to secure a spot in the round of 32. The match, a two-hour clay-court duel, showcased Rune’s aggressive baseline game and mental fortitude, qualities that have seen him rise to prominence. Yet, it was his post-match comments about Alcaraz’s documentary that stole the spotlight. The series, which premiered on April 23, 2025, offers an intimate look at Alcaraz’s 2024 season, capturing his triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as personal moments of doubt and joy. Rune, who faced Alcaraz in the Barcelona Open final earlier this year—winning 7-6, 6-2—praised the documentary’s ability to peel back the curtain on the sport. “I think it’s nice for tennis fans,” he said, “and it’s great for the tennis fans to see more of what’s behind the scenes. It’s cool, because we’re all human.”
The documentary, directed by Jorge Laplace and produced by Morena Films, follows Alcaraz through a whirlwind year, balancing the pressures of global stardom with the desires of a 21-year-old seeking fun and connection. Rune, who appeared alongside Alcaraz in Netflix’s *Break Point* series, noted a key difference in their younger selves. “I may have been a bit more serious than him in juniors,” he joked, reflecting on their contrasting personalities. While Alcaraz’s infectious charisma and love for the game shone through in junior tournaments, Rune recalled the Spaniard’s raw talent as undeniable. “In juniors, you could see his potential, his talent, everything,” he said. “He was an amazing player and, of course, Spanish people live differently than Danish people. It’s a different kind of character. He’s a guy that loves playing tennis and is extremely good at it.”
Rune’s comments touch on a central theme of the documentary: Alcaraz’s quest to forge his own path, even as he chases the legacy of icons like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. The series captures candid moments, from Alcaraz’s six-day partying stint in Ibiza—followed by victories at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon—to tense conversations with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero about balancing fun and discipline. “You don’t feel the same every day, the same motivation every day, but it’s normal,” Rune observed, relating to Alcaraz’s emotional ebbs and flows. “You have some days where you dig a little bit deeper and find some more energy. Some days, it’s easier, but that’s part of life, no matter if it’s tennis or some normal job.”
The Rome Open, a crucial stop before the French Open, has seen both players navigate challenges. Rune, recovering from a knee injury that forced his retirement in Madrid, is finding his rhythm, while Alcaraz, fresh off an adductor injury, cruised past Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3. Their shared history, from junior battles to a high-stakes Barcelona final, adds depth to Rune’s perspective. Social media buzzed with excitement over his comments, with fans celebrating the glimpse into their camaraderie. As Rune prepares for his next match and Alcaraz eyes a deep run in Rome, the documentary continues to spark conversations, proving that Alcaraz’s story—equal parts grit, genius, and joy—resonates far beyond the court.
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