According to John McEnroe, Holger Rune has “earned a reputation” in men’s tennis for some of his recent on-court actions. Speaking exclusively to Eurosport during the Italian Open, the 20-year-old does not think he should be branded a “bad guy” in the sport for expressing his emotions on the court. “Maybe those who exhibit emotion are referred to as such, but I disagree,” he remarked.
Ahead of the Italian Open, Holger Rune asserts that he is not a tennis “bad guy” by saying, “Many players don’t exhibit emotions.”
Ahead of the Italian Open, Holger Rune maintains that he is not the “bad boy” of tennis.
The Danish player received a punishment from umpire Carlos Bernardes at the Madrid Open after becoming embroiled in a scandal.
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After losing to Rune in the Paris Masters in November, Wawrinka seemed to urge him to “stop acting like a baby.”
When the two faced off at Indian Wells last month and Wawrinka prevailed in three sets, tensions between them erupted once more. “You’ve got nothing to say now?” smiled Rune as the two athletes shook hands at the net.
Rune issued an apology in 2021 for allegedly shouting homophobic insults during an ATP Challenger Tour match, and he also got into a heated argument with Casper Ruud at the French Open the previous year.
Although world No. 7 John McEnroe feels that Rune is “getting a reputation” for some of his on-court behavior, he does not think that Rune is a “bad guy” in the sport.
“In my opinion, no,” he said exclusively to Eurosport.
“A lot of athletes don’t display emotion. Perhaps those that exhibit emotion go by this name, but I disagree. I accept everyone’s right to their own views, of course.
“Everyone gets excited about something when people try to hype it up.”
Additionally, Rnue claims that his love for the game is the reason behind his emotional outbursts on the court.
“It’s not always a good idea to display emotion,” he remarked.
“That relies on the feeling. As a twenty-year-old, I’m still learning and attempting to take care of myself. A few experiments here and there.
“In the end, it’s about the love of the game, and I enjoy competing and giving it my all to win.”
Rune, who lost to Andrey Rublev in the Monte Carlo Masters final this year, is flattered by the Serb’s remarks, but he believes more time will tell.
He responded, “The future will show.”
“I’m glad a player like that can speak so highly of us.
He is clearly one of the current “Big Three.” We’ll work to prevent him from attempting his 23rd Grand Slam.
It will undoubtedly be difficult, but time will tell.”
“I have one piece of advice for you,” the umpire says to Rune as the Madrid supporters jeer. Dane
Rune adds that although fellow 20-year-old Alcaraz’s four title victories this season are “inspiring,” he is “focused” on his own path.
You don’t have to push me. Every day, I challenge myself and put myself first. Everybody follows a different route.
nding on the player.
Rune will begin his clay-court preparations for the French Open, which begins on May 28, by playing his opening match of the Italian Open on Friday.
