Rafael Nadal: Holger Rune urges Spaniard to continue career after Six Kings Slam showing – ‘You shouldn’t retire’
Holger Rune may have been eliminated from the Six Kings Slam in his opening match, but that did not stop the 21-year-old Dane from enjoying every minute of his time in Saudi Arabia. Rune practised with 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal while in Riyadh and believes that the Spaniard could keep going despite announcing his retirement following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
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Holger Rune believes former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal could keep competing at the highest level after training with the Spaniard at the Six Kings Slam.
Rune was beaten 6-2 6-4 by Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, who will retire following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in November, was eliminated by Alcaraz in the semi-finals.
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The 21-year-old Dane believes Nadal could keep going based on his performances while practising in Riyadh.
“Do I get inspiration from other players or do I just focus on myself? A bit of both,” Rune said,
“I think inspiration is important, but I always try to be a beast, whether it’s in training, in preparation or in a match, I always want to push myself.
“You get inspiration from players like Djokovic or Rafa Nadal.
“I remember training with Rafa in Riyadh and it’s surprising: this guy is almost retired and he trains with such intensity that you think: ‘You shouldn’t retire’.
“He’s had an incredible career and he’s achieved so much, it’s not for nothing that Rafa and Novak both give their all in every training session.”
Italy’s Jannik Sinner went on to win the tournament after beating Alcaraz 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 3-6 in the final.
Rune admits that the tournament was a lot of fun despite the fact that he only played one match.
“It was an interesting experience,” Rune said.
“It was a lot of fun, it was great to be able to compete in such a small event.
“I only played one match, against Carlos, but to be able to train with the boys all week and spend time with them off the court.
“I already know them, but it brought us closer, we had a lot of activities together, it was really fun.”
