Holger Rune shares his thoughts on one of the ATP’s brightest young talents Joao Fonseca.
Much like the Brazilian is now, when the 21-year-old record burst he was tipped as one of tennis’ next big stars.
Therefore he knows exactly the sort of pressure and attention the Argentina Open champion is currently facing.
Holger Rune is still one of the top young players on the ATP Tour and he shared a positive assessment of Fonseca after spending some time with him earlier on the season.
What does Holger Rune think of Joao Fonseca?
Joao Fonseca made his presence felt with a stunning Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open when he defeated Andrey Rublev.
The 18-year-old followed it up by going through a gruelling draw to win his first ATP Tour title at Buenos Aires.
Rune also played in that tournament and he had an opportunity to practice and spend some time with Fonseca, and he was very impressed.
“I just feel old now! That’s a weird feeling. I am used to being the youngest. Also Carlos and stuff. We are now the experienced players! But for me it is great,” Rune told Tennis Channel.
“It gives a lot of motivation actually, Fils is younger – he looks a lot older than us! – but also Fonseca and Tien. They play some big tennis and I think it’s exciting for us that some new faces come up.
“I practiced with Fonseca down in Argentina and it’s nice. He’s a very nice kid. So it’s cool to have someone coming up and hopefully share some good matches soon.”
Holger Rune snaps Stefanos Tsitsipas’ winning streak at Indian Wells
Rune is into his first ATP quarter-final of the season after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Indian Wells Masters.
The Greek player rediscovered his best form in recent weeks and claimed the Dubai Tennis Championships title before heading to California.
He was on a seven-match win streak ahead of facing Rune, but the Dane reminded everyone why he is one of the dangerous players on tour when in full flow.
Rune produced the shot of the tournament when he hit a tweener lob to save break point in the second set, before going on to win 6-4, 6-4.
“It felt better on the court, actually, but it also looked good on the phone, definitely,” Rune said about his epic shot.
“I had the expectation that I looked like Roger Federer when I hit it, and I didn’t quite do that. So that was disappointing, you know.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
