Life on the Road… With Holger Rune
This weekend at the BNP Paribas Open, Holger Rune is going for his second ATP Masters 1000 championship and his first in 2024. The 20-year-old Dane is currently a regular fixture in the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings, and this is his fourth season on the ATP Tour.
Runninge was interviewed by ATPTour.com to talk about his life on tour, including his favorite vacation spot and travel advice.
Which two non-tennis essentials do you always bring on trips?
My phone and headphones, I would say. These are the most fundamental things. I prefer to put on my headphones before a game to set the mood. It goes without saying that a phone is necessary for coordination.
Have you ever left your headphones or phone at home?
I once really irritated myself by forgetting my headphones. Never mind about the phone; I had to go buy some new ones. That would be a major rookie error, in my opinion.
Do you see traveling as something that’s necessary to become a professional tennis player, or do you find it enjoyable?
Yes, I do find it enjoyable. It seems pleasant to me. Sitting on an airplane isn’t the most comfortable thing we’ve ever done. However, it’s a necessary component, and you can’t wait to get there. I pass the time by playing cards or having some fun bantering with the team.
Tournament City is your favorite to visit, and why?
I must admit that Monaco is both my favorite city and event. It feels very much like home because I live there. I consider Acapulco to be an extremely excellent tournament. Incredible number of people in attendance. large fans of tennis. It’s just an all-around fantastic spot to play tennis, in my opinion.
What is your favorite place to go on vacation?
In order to unwind, I visited Dubai a few years ago. It’s a terrific spot to enjoy, in my opinion, and you can still have some access to the city and some life. There is, however, a serene area with just the beach and sea. Going to the Maldives would probably seem a little monotonous to me. Each day is the same as the last. It’s also crucial to turn everything off over the holidays.
How do you attempt to adjust to the local time zone and get over jet lag?
I find that trying to sleep throughout the trip really helps with the jet lag. I was able to accomplish that as of the end of last year. I started off not being very good at it. It’s also crucial to make an effort to stay up until nine or ten o’clock at night. Since you then more fully adopt the regular rhythm,. You awaken at your regular time.
Taking care of your body is crucial if you play tennis, so how can you prepare it for lengthy travels?
I make an effort to move around a little after landing. I attempt to go for a bike ride or a ten- to fifteen-minute run. I stretch a little bit. I have a lot of water in me. Eating healthily is crucial, in my opinion. Then, after a few days, you ought to feel well.
Do you follow any rituals or engage in any hobbies that help you feel more at ease and like “home on the road”?
Most of the time, I travel with a fantastic crew and one or more family members. Therefore, it seems familiar. attempting to move out of the house and establish a strong support system. After that, it feels fantastic. To be honest, I never get homesick. I enjoy taking trips. It seems enjoyable to me. It’s not the same. I find it exciting. Staying in the same spot for longer than two weeks would drive me quite insane. I believe I made the appropriate lifestyle choice since that is who I am.
Do you arrive at the airport in plenty of time, or do you arrive on time?
I make a last-minute effort to arrive. My mother attempts to arrive three hours in advance. We discuss that prior to leaving. On the other hand, I arrive an hour early to check in and board the flight when I travel alone.
