Holger Rune says what his relationship with Novak Djokovic is really like ahead of the French Open

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Holger Rune will be looking for another impressive run at Roland Garros in 2025, having reached the quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023.

The Danish star has already enjoyed success on the clay this year, when Rune reached the final of the Barcelona Open, following wins over Casper Ruud and Karen Khachanov.

Upsetting the two-time champion, Rune beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final, 7-6, 6-2, to win his first title since 2023.

Unable to carry that momentum forward to the final two clay Masters 1000 events of the year, Rune lost his opening match at the Madrid Open and his third-round match in Rome.

Ahead of his return to action at Roland Garros, the Dane revealed what his relationship with one of the ATP Tour’s greatest ever players is really like.

Holger Rune says Novak Djokovic is always ‘really kind’ and remembers the advice he gave him

During his pre-tournament press conference, Rune was asked for his thoughts on 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

“Novak [Djokovic] has been really nice to me all my career,” he said.

“The first time I hit with him, I think it was in the ATP Tour Finals, and then afterwards, I hit with him in Monaco when I was pretty young, so it was always nice.

“He was really kind to me, giving me advice and stuff like that. I really appreciated that, and he’s obviously one of the best that we’ve had, so it feels like a big privilege that he’s been so nice.

“I’m sure we’ll see him in the big tournaments and the big rounds.”

The 22-year-old remembered the advice Djokovic gave him on his forehand when they trained together.

“One specific thing he told me when we were hitting forehand cross, in general, young players as they grow up they get more power, they get more excited about their power,” said Rune.

“He said him personally, he would suggest never to go more than 70-80% on every shot to make sure it’s safe enough, but still with good quality.

“I feel like sometimes you go for all or nothing. I think his game shows up pretty good, that he’s not risking much, but at the same time has tremendous quality on his shots.”

There have perhaps been times when Djokovic regretted giving Rune that advice, as the youngster scored some impressive wins over the legendary Serb.

Holger Rune and Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record

Rune and Djokovic have played one another six times in total, with the latter leading the head-to-head 4-2.

Their most memorable encounter came in Paris, Bercy, three years ago, when Rune stunned Djokovic in three sets to win his maiden Masters 1000 title.

Rune’s level at the 2022 Paris Masters was otherworldly, as he beat five top-ten players en route to the title.

• 2022 Paris Masters F – Holger Rune beat [7] Novak Djokovic, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
• 2022 Paris Masters SF – Holger Rune beat [8] Felix Auger-Aliassime, 6-4, 6-2
• 2022 Paris Masters QF – Holger Rune beat [1] Carlos Alcaraz, 6-3, 6-6 (RET)
• 2022 Paris Masters 3R – Holger Rune beat [9] Andrey Rublev, 6-4, 7-5
• 2022 Paris Masters 2R – Holger Rune beat [10] Hubert Hurkacz, 7-5, 6-1
• 2022 Paris Masters 1R – Holger Rune beat Stan Wawrinka, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6

Djokovic will be wary of Rune’s talents and may be glad to see the world number ten placed in the opposite half of the draw to him.

Rune will begin his campaign against Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut as he now explains how he is feeling ahead of the tournament.

“I feel good, it’s not been an ideal clay preparation for me, but happy to be here in Paris,” he said.

“It’s a tournament that I love so much, so definitely happy to be back. Had a good practice week so far, so just looking forward to starting.”

The former two-time quarterfinalist will take to the court for his first round match on either Monday, May 26 or Tuesday, May 27.