Currently ranked in the top 10 tennis players in the world, the Danish star Holger Rune has turned some heads around. Since he turned pro in 2021, Rune has swiftly made his way up the big leagues. He already has established himself as a dynamic player and this Wimbledon opens the gates further more.
Holger is the first Danish player ever to entire the fourth round of Wimbledon. Not too long ago, this 20-year-old has even defeated the invincible Novak Djokovic, not once but twice!
Holger Rune once entered court with IKEA Bag vs Novak Djokovic
Over the 4 years of Rune’s career, he has went up against the Serbinator thrice. Their first meeting was in the first round of 2021 US Open and Rune was just 18 years old. One would imagine that going up against a legend like Novak himself, young Rune would have to come prepared for anything. And that he did!
The Danish pro walked on court with not just his bulky tennis kit, but also a huge IKEA bag with more equipment.
Before his match with Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune walked out with an IKEA bag đ#USOpen #TheFirstServe pic.twitter.com/j3eO6HH3EM
— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) September 1, 2021
Obviously, Holger did not stand a chance against Nole but, there were a couple of surprising net points and winners that the kid hit that left the Serbinator stumbling. Regardless of the teenager’s attempts, Novak dominated that match (6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1).
The following years, these two met again twice in Paris Open 2022 and Rome Open 2023. In both of these meetings, Holger defeated Nole! The teenager for sure grew up to quickly challenge one of the greatest players in the history of tennis. With a great part of his career ahead, tennis fans will need to heed to Holger Rune.
Holger Rune facing Grigor Dimitrov in Wimbledon round of 16 after defeating Fokina
Rune went up against the Spanish Davidovich Fokina in 3R of Wimbledon. This match was one of the most intense five set thrillers this season (6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6). The tiebreaker was especially nerve-wreaking and Rune took the win after what might be one of the weirdest decision play on court. After they had tied 8 all in the final set, Fokina was no longer in the mood to play and he hits an underarm serve. This gave way to the easiest return of all time for Rune to get to match point.
After the match Fokina explained how that far into the match, he was no longer mentally ready to compete to his best abilities. Holger also explains how he could see the underarm serve coming as Fokina did not even bounce the ball. So now, Dane Rune moves to 4R to play against the 32-year-old veteran Grigor Dimitrov.
Grigor defeated the American youngster, Frances Tiafoe and seems to be very focused on his journey. Will Rune be another youngster that Grigor will defeat? Or will the new age star have another chance at going up against Novak Djokovic? Let us know in the comments below!
