‘The media has created a false narrative about Holger Rune – at least he is not as boring as Djokovic’
Erstwhile Danish doubles star Frederik Lochte Nielsen believes that Holger Rune is a breath of fresh air on the ATP Tour.
Nielsen believes that Rune has been unfairly vilified and that his passionate play is something the game needs.
In comments that might get a few stirred up, Nielsen suggested that Rune is far more watchable than Novak Djokovic.
Nielsen labelled Djokovic as boring when compared to Rune.
He believes that is lazy journalism to paint Rune as a petulant brat.
“There are so many really boring tennis players, and he has improved significantly in terms of his behaviour on the court,” Nielsen told SpilXperten.
“But you have to remember that there has been a camera on him since he was 16 years old. He’s still just a kid who is passionate and loves to play tennis. He’s still learning about life. I think it’s really cool that he gives something to the audience.”
“I think it’s a shame, for example, that Novak Djokovic doesn’t just embrace himself and stand by the person he is.”
“However, I also think that a narrative is being built around Holger that is not entirely correct. He is not as bad as he is made out to be, and when he has lost a fight, it is quite normal that there is a headline that says ‘Annoyed Holger Rune’. That, I think, is lazy journalism.”
Nielsen backs Rune’s second serve and relaxed confidence as his biggest weapons.
“I very much agree with Holger when he says that he doesn’t stress about having to play for his points,” Nielsen said.
“That’s one of the big developments he has gone through in the last year and a half.”
“Holger is one of the best in the world at using his 2nd serve proactively and not just using it as a point starter. He serves both slice, kick, hard and slow on his 2nd serve. It’s really a powerful weapon for him.”
“Holger is made for those matches in the biggest stadiums against the very best players. That’s where he feels he belongs. That’s where he feels most comfortable.”
Nielsen added that Rune and Carlos Alcaraz look set to battle for top honours for many years to come.
“If you’re going to talk about players who have a chance to achieve the same as the greatest legends, I completely agree that Alcaraz and Rune are the two who can do it. I think they have the best platform to build on right now,” Nielsen said.
“They are two players who really play tennis and get the best out of themselves. The reason why Alcaraz is maybe a little bit further ahead than Rune right now is because Alcaraz is maybe a little bit better physically. He has a natural strength, but when Holger builds that up, he will be horrible to face for all players because he has almost no weaknesses.”
READ MORE: Holger Rune wowed when compared to legends
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka reveals how Novak Djokovic is inspiring her to reach for more
How world No 1 Novak Djokovic is inspiring Victoria Azarenka to reach for more.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner can’t control his laughter as he hits his physio in a ‘really important’ spot
Physio Giacomo Naldi was in Jannik Sinner’s line of fire at the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray faces agonising waiting game after ankle injury nightmare
Andy Murray waiting to hear whether he still has a chance to end his career at Wimbledon this summer.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev admits it ‘didn’t smell good’ as he mounts amazing Miami comeback
Daniil Medvedev bounced back from a desperate position in the first set tie-break to beat Dominik Koepfer.
-
Tennis News
Final moments of the Novak Djokovic era of dominance were hard to identify
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
Tennis News
Juan Martin del Potro makes Novak Djokovic claim as he weighs in on GOAT debate
“I believe that if he wins a couple more Grand Slams, there will no longer be a discussion.”
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu set for another rankings fall – but the only way is up now
Emma Raducanu is projected to tumble down the WTA rankings when the new list is released next week.
-
Tennis News
Gael Monfils makes brutal Carlos Alcaraz admission as he describes facing the Spaniard
“I feel like I’m getting eaten up, but at the same time, I feel like I’m playing well.”
-
Tennis News
Coco Gauff makes Novak Djokovic confession and reveals she modelled key shot after the Serb
“I tried to model it after Novak Djokovic a lot. That’s where that inspiration comes from.”
-
ATP Tour
Lorenzo Musetti told what he needs to do to beat ‘inspirational’ Carlos Alcaraz
“Alcaraz can play through you, he can play around you, he can bring you in so I just don’t know where Musetti goes.”