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Holger Rune - Australian Open 2023

Holger Rune parts ways with Patrick Mouratoglou after ‘completing mission’


Holger Rune has announced his partnership with coach Patrick Mouratoglou has come to an end, fuelling rumours about the potential return of Simona Halep after a doping suspension.

Rune started working with Mouratoglou back in early October, following Halep’s suspension, and has gone on to find success under the Frenchman’s supervision.

The 19-year-old went on to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Paris and by doing so became the first man ever, other than at the ATP finals, to beat five top 10 players in the same event.

As a result Rune climbed into the top 10 himself, becoming the highest ranked Danish man in history.

Mouratoglou released a statement on social media signalling the end of his partnership with the No.8, “Holger! We’ve successfully completed our mission and ended up having an incredible 6-month adventure, exceeding our original plan of 3 months. I have no doubt that your is bright. I remain your biggest fan and I keep an eye on you with the @MouratoglouAcad team.”

Rune also took to Twitter to thank Mouratoglou, “I had the opportunity to borrow Patrick for a limited period and we have had 6 educational and fun months together. Now it’s time to move on and use the learning on my own. Thank you Patrick for some great months together.”

The use of the word ‘borrow’ has got people talking, with some suggesting this could be an indication of Halep’s return.

Halep was being coached by Mouratoglou when she tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat, after losing in the first round of the US Open last year.

The Romanian has denied ever ‘knowingly’ taking the substance, and described her suspension as ‘the biggest shock’ of her life.

Mouratoglou, who has also coached Serena Williams, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Coco Gauff, showed support for his player at the time but there has not been a lot of noise since.

There were reports of a potential hearing at the end of February, but other than that the two-time Grand Slam champion’s return date is currently unknown.

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Matthew Johns, Tennishead Writer, is a professional tennis journalist with a specialist degree in Sports Journalism. He's a keen tennis player having represented his local club and University plus he's also a qualified tennis coach. Matthew has a deep knowledge of tennis especially the ATP Tour and thrives on breaking big tennis news stories for Tennishead.