Holger Rune hits back at John McEnroe’s claims he is ‘developing a reputation’
Holger Rune has responded to seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe, who claimed that the Dane was ‘developing a reputation’ after recent incidents.
Rune came under fire in both Monte Carlo and Madrid, with McEnroe’s comments coming after the 20-year-old’s actions in the Spanish capital.
During a defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Rune was heavily booed by the Madrid crowd after he removed a ball mark that his opponent was disputing with the umpire.
The umpire, Carlos Bernardes, then had a word with the Dane at the change of ends, “I’m going to tell you one thing and that’s it for the whole match.”
“I told you once in Monte Carlo, but that was fine. There are crowds that you cannot control if you do things like that. They will be worse if you keep doing it. If you just play tennis, they don’t do anything else.”
Rune responded: “I didn’t do anything. Did I complain to you one time?”
However, the No.7 has now responded to claims he is a ‘bad boy’ when speaking to EuroSport, “I don’t think so personally. Many players don’t show emotions. Maybe the ones who show emotion they call them this but I don’t agree. Of course everyone has their own opinion and I respect it. When people try to hype up something everyone is getting hyped about it.”
He continued, “Sometimes yes, sometimes not [good to show emotion]. It depends on the emotion. Now I’m 20, I’m still learning and trying to do what’s best for me. Trying a few things here and there.”
“At the end of the day it’s the passion for the sport and I really like to compete and do everything I can do to win.”
Rune also commented on Novak Djokovic suggesting he would be part of the ‘next big three’ alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
“The future will show,” said Rune. “I’m happy that a player like that can talk so positively about us. Obviously he’s part of the ‘Big Three’ right now. Seeking his 23rd Grand Slam and we will try and stop him from doing that. Obviously it’s going to be tough but the future will show.”
Rune made a positive start to his first main draw at the Italian Open yesterday when he beat qualifier Arthur Fils, setting up a blockbuster clash with home favourite Fabio Fognini.
Holger Rune career achievements
Rune has only recently ended his years as a teenager and has achieved many great things already, including becoming the highest ranked Danish man in history.
Here is what Rune has achieved in his career so far:
Career-high ranking: No.7
ATP win-loss record: 74-48 (61%)
ATP Career titles: 4 (Munich 2022, Stockholm 2022, Paris Masters 2022, Munich 2023)
ATP Career finals: 3 (Sofia 2022, Basel 2022, Monte Carlo Masters 2023)
Back where everything started! ✨🔁
Holger Rune defeats Christopher O'Connel 6-3 6-2 to reach his 7th ATP Tour final, one week before turning 20.
🇩🇪 Munich 2022
🇧🇬 Sofia 2022
🇸🇪 Stockholm 2022
🇨🇭 Basel 2022
🇫🇷 Paris Masters 2022
🇲🇨 Monte Carlo Masters 2023
🇩🇪 MUNICH 2023 pic.twitter.com/XPfjCmrorP— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) April 22, 2023
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