Former world No. 1 Boris Becker has expressed confidence in Holger Rune’s potential to challenge the current hierarchy in men’s tennis, dominated by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Speaking to Tennis Up to Date, the 57-year-old German tennis legend singled out Rune as one of the few players capable of closing the gap on the Spanish and Italian stars.
Becker highlighted that many top-ranked players, including Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, and Holger Rune’s peers, need to elevate their ambition and put in substantial work to compete consistently at the highest level.
“It’s not just about talent; it’s about commitment, strategy, and belief in yourself,” Becker remarked.
The former Wimbledon champion noted that Rune possesses the mental toughness and attitude necessary to reach the elite tier of men’s tennis.
“Rune believes he can beat Novak Djokovic, and that mindset is crucial,” Becker explained.
He contrasted this with other players like Fritz, who often admit their opponents are favorites before big matches, which Becker believes can undermine confidence even before the first point is played.
According to Becker, Rune’s mental approach sets him apart. “He would never say someone else is the favorite. That shows a champion’s mindset,” Becker said.
However, he emphasized that mental strength alone is not enough. To truly challenge Alcaraz and Sinner, Rune must combine his confidence with the right coaching, preparation, and match strategy.
Becker further advised that Rune needs a structured plan to elevate his game. “It’s about aligning the right coach with the right preparation and the right strategy. Talent without structure only takes you so far,” he said.
Becker believes that with a solid team and disciplined approach, Rune has what it takes to close the gap on the top stars.
Concluding his thoughts, Becker expressed optimism about the future of men’s tennis.
While the current generation of players has been dominated by a few exceptional talents, he sees Rune as a potential disruptor who could bring more competition and unpredictability to the sport.
“If Rune commits fully, he can rise to the level of Alcaraz and Sinner and make men’s tennis even more exciting,” he added.
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