‘Roger Federer was 40 times worse than me,’ claims ATP youngster

Holger Rune has defended his petulant behaviour at the French Open, saying Roger Federer far worse behaved at his age.

Rune lost in the quarter-finals against Casper Ruud, who went on to reach the final.

However, it was a controversial match-up, with 19-year-old Rune often letting his passion get the bets of him on the court.

Things continued after the match too, with the Dane accusing Ruud of ‘shouting in his face’ in the locker room.

Ruud denied it, although it was obvious there was some angst between the two Scandinavians.

Rune, though, has defended his actions from that day, and he says Roger Federer’s early behaviour shows he has little to worry about with regard his image.

“If you saw Roger Federer as a youngster, he was maybe 40 times worse than I was,” Rune said.

“And he’s one of the most beloved tennis players on the tour – so I think I have plenty of time to get an even better image.

“I have an extreme passion for this sport and sometimes I show it too much. But I’m 19 years old. I’m still young and I work every day to bring out only the positives in my attitude – and that’s a process.

“I just see that as differences and I think that’s great. If all people were the same and think the same, it would be horrible to live in this world.

“It’s great that you think what you want, and you like the character you like.”

🎾 Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner