Holger Rune Exclusive: Star Aims to ‘Keep Pushing the Limits’ to ‘Become a More Dangerous Player’ Ahead of 2025 Tennis Season

January 13, 2025 – As the tennis world gears up for another exciting season, Denmark’s rising star, Holger Rune, is setting his sights on breaking new boundaries and pushing his game to the next level. Speaking exclusively to The Tennis Chronicle ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Rune opened up about his ambitions for the new season, his journey so far, and the mental approach he’s taking to become an even more dangerous player on the ATP Tour.

At just 20 years old, Rune has already made waves in the tennis world with his bold, aggressive style of play, breaking into the ATP Top 10 and consistently challenging some of the biggest names in the sport. His rapid rise has been marked by impressive victories and notable performances at major tournaments, with many pundits already tipping him as one of the future stars of the game. However, Rune himself is determined not to rest on his laurels and is focused on evolving his game further to secure long-term success.

‘Keep Pushing the Limits’

In our exclusive interview, Rune revealed his mindset heading into the 2025 season, acknowledging that while his breakthrough year in 2024 was rewarding, there is still a long way to go. “I’m always striving for more,” Rune said, speaking with confidence and a sense of purpose that reflects his competitive spirit. “I want to keep pushing the limits of my game. I’ve had some great results, but I know there’s so much more I can improve on. My goal is to become a more dangerous player, to be someone who can challenge the top guys consistently.”

Rune’s ambition is evident in his approach to the game. Known for his fiery intensity on the court and relentless work ethic off it, he has quickly earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most determined and focused young stars. “I love the challenge,” he explained. “Tennis is about constantly evolving. The guys at the top have been at this level for so long, and I have to keep learning from them and making my own breakthroughs. It’s about consistency and making sure I can compete at that high level every single week.”

Shaping His Game to Dominate

Rune’s playstyle has already attracted plenty of attention for its mix of power, precision, and an unpredictable flair that keeps opponents on their toes. However, as he prepares for 2025, the Danish player is aware that taking the next step requires refining his game further.

“Right now, I want to focus on the details,” Rune said thoughtfully. “My serve, for example, has improved, but it still has areas where I can get better, especially in big moments. And my movement on court, I believe that’s a huge part of becoming more dangerous. You need to be able to control the tempo and anticipate your opponent’s moves. I’m working a lot on improving my footwork, especially on slower surfaces.”

Rune also acknowledged the mental aspect of the game, noting how important it is to maintain composure in critical moments. “Mental toughness is huge. I’ve been working with my team, and we’ve been focusing on mental preparation. Sometimes it’s not about being physically the best, but being mentally stronger than your opponent.”

A Rising Rivalry with the Game’s Elite

While Rune’s ascent has been impressive, one of the most exciting aspects of his rise is the rivalry that is slowly building between him and other young players, as well as the established top stars like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz. Rune has already had memorable encounters with Alcaraz, and many fans and analysts have noted the potential for a fierce rivalry between the two, which could define the sport in the coming years.

Asked about the prospect of facing off with the best in the world, Rune responded with maturity beyond his years. “I love playing against the best. Alcaraz, Djokovic, they are incredible players, and I learn a lot every time I face them. But it also makes me want to be better. You need to play your best tennis to beat them, and that’s what excites me. They’ve been at the top for so long, but I believe in my ability to get there too.”

When it comes to Carlos Alcaraz, Rune’s friendly yet competitive nature shines through. “Carlos is a great player, and we’ve had some great matches. It’s always exciting to play against someone with that kind of energy and skill. I respect him a lot, but I also want to challenge him and make sure I’m ready to take the next step in our rivalry.”

The Support Team Behind the Rise

A significant part of Rune’s success has been the support he receives from his team, including his family, coaches, and fitness experts. He credits his close-knit team with helping him develop a balanced mindset while also pushing him to improve every aspect of his game.

“My team is everything to me,” Rune reflected. “My coach and fitness trainers are always looking for ways to challenge me, and my family gives me the emotional support I need to keep going. They help me stay grounded and focused on what’s important. They remind me to enjoy the journey, even when it gets tough.”

Rune’s dedication to his fitness has also been a major talking point, especially as he has faced the physical demands of the tour. “I’ve had to get stronger physically,” he noted. “The tour is grueling, and you need to be able to withstand the demands of the matches. I’m putting a lot of work into my endurance and recovery. It’s all about making sure my body can handle everything.”

Aiming for Major Titles in 2025

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Rune’s goals are clear: to win major titles, challenge for Grand Slam championships, and establish himself as a consistent contender for the biggest trophies in tennis. “I’ve had some great experiences already, but I want to take that next step,” Rune explained. “The goal is to be in the conversation for the biggest titles, to be at the very top of the sport. Winning a Grand Slam is the ultimate dream, and I’m working every day to make that happen.”

The Australian Open, which kicks off the new tennis season, is where Rune will begin his campaign for a major title in 2025. Although his record at the tournament has been relatively modest so far, the young Dane is not short of confidence heading into Melbourne. “I love playing on hard courts, and the Australian Open is always a special tournament. I feel like I’ve grown so much, and I’m ready to take on the challenge again,” he said, brimming with enthusiasm.

Rune’s target for the year is clear: to continue his rise, challenge for major titles, and solidify his place among the very best in the world. “I want to be consistent. I don’t just want to have one great tournament. I want to be one of the players that people talk about every year, in every major event. That’s what drives me.”

The Future Is Bright

As Holger Rune’s star continues to rise, the tennis world is eager to see how his journey unfolds in 2025. With his work ethic, fierce determination, and clear vision for his game, it’s no surprise that many are already predicting that the Dane could be one of the next great champions of the sport.

Whether he’s playing against the established stars or facing off with fellow young guns, Rune’s passion for the game and his desire to push the limits are setting him up for a successful and exciting year ahead. His hunger for improvement and his confidence in his ability to achieve greatness make it clear that 2025 will be another pivotal year in his career.

As he prepares for his next tournament, Holger Rune remains firmly focused on one goal: to be a more dangerous player, one match at a time. The future looks bright for the Danish star, and the tennis world will undoubtedly be watching closely as he takes his next steps toward the top.