- Holger Rune Australian Open 2024 exit didn’t sit well with his coach Boris Becker
- Becker started coaching Rune in October 2023
- People have high hopes with him
Holger Rune Australian Open 2024 exit didn’t sit well with his coach Boris Becker.
Becker says Rune needs to work on himself a little bit more if he is to live up to the expectations of his fans.
The Danish tennis star is among the top 10 young tennis players the world is betting on to take the sport to a new level.
Holger Rune Australian Open 2024 Exit
While many expected him to have a shot at the semifinal or the finals, Rune failed to live up to this. He endured a 6-7 (4-7), 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 defeat at the hands of world No. 122 Arthur Cazaux.
The initial set unfolded as a tightly contested encounter, with both players successfully holding their serves until the tiebreak.
Cazaux adopted an aggressive approach, consistently challenging Rune with powerful serves and accurate groundstrokes.
Holger Rune. Photo/Eurosport
In the tiebreak, Rune committed some atypical errors, allowing Cazaux to capitalize and secure a 7-4 advantage. This early setback appeared to dent Rune’s confidence.
The second set unfolded in a similar fashion, as Cazaux continued to dictate the rallies with his formidable baseline game. Rune struggled to establish his rhythm, leading to unforced errors that facilitated Cazaux in securing a crucial break and winning the set 6-4.
Facing potential elimination, the world No. 8 displayed resilience in the third set. He regained his form with powerful forehand shots and managed to break Cazaux’s serve, securing a 4-2 lead. A comeback seemed plausible.
However, Cazaux responded promptly, breaking back and reclaiming the momentum. He ultimately clinched the third set 6-4, setting the stage for a tense finale.
The fourth set unfolded as a closely contested battle, but Cazaux maintained composure and consistently found winning shots.
Breaking Rune’s serve once again, he served out for a remarkable 7-6(4) 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory and knocked him out of the Australian Open.
Why is Boris Becker Disappointed in Holger Rune?
Responding to Rune’s early exit from the first Grand Slam of the year, Becker who took up a role as his coach said the Danish has a lot to work on.
He said that the 20-year-old needs to work on his mental strength because it is a part of the winning formula in tennis.
It is among the reasons that led to his early exit – first round – at the US Open 2023 and things seemed not to have changed at all.
Boris Becker is the new coach for Holger Rune. Photo/Sky Sports
Becker told Eurosport that Rune’s quick responses are great but timing is a problem and he needs to work on that.
“He’s got a very quick arm, he’s got a lot of firepower, he’s got a lot of inspiration on the court, but at the same time that’s the problem. It’s knowing when to do what. So talking about tactics, when to accelerate, when to take chances and when you play defensively, it’s always a fine line when to do what,” he said.
Where does the mental fortitude come in during a game according to Becker?
“Losing the first set in the tie-break and then losing your very first service game in the second set, those are the moments he has to improve mentally.”
Becker further pointed out on how adjustments can be made to address what is perceived as a weakness in Rune’s forehand.
“He needs to use the heavy topspin a bit more. Now and then it’s a bit flat or he hits a half-volley from the baseline, which on good days is a trick shot and on bad days you hit it with the frame out. So the average needs to be a little higher and I would want him to play with a heavier topspin,” the former world No. 1 turned tennis coach advised.
When Did Boris Becker Start Coaching Holger Rune?
Rune announced in October 2023 that he had hired the retired German tennis player as his coach. He is the first player Becker is coaching after his tribulations with bankruptcy and jail time in the UK in 2022.
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