Holger Rune says what was ‘crazy’ to see in the Olympic final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

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Holger Rune was forced to withdraw from the Olympics through injury, but that didn’t stop him from watching on in awe.

Throughout his young career, the 21-year-old has already risen to number four in the ATP rankings and has a Masters 1000 title to his name.

This has led some to believe that he should be included in the hypothetical conversation of the ‘next Big Three’, alongside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

But just like the Italian, Rune was not present in Paris as Novak Djokovic claimed the gold medal that has eluded him throughout his career.

Holger Rune takes inspiration from Novak Djokovic

Holger Rune has undoubtedly taken a lot from defeat to Alcaraz and Djokovic in successive years at Wimbledon.

But the Dane has since referred to the source of inspiration that was this year’s Olympics final between the two greats of the game.

“I was watching the whole final, from the first point to the last,” Rune told Tennis Channel after his first-round win at the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday.

“It was such a great level and, you know, Carlos [Alcaraz] is unbelievable, so young, and Novak [Djokovic] is getting older and older but producing some incredible tennis – it’s crazy to see.

“I have obviously played against him [Djokovic] recently at Wimbledon where he also played very well. I believe he is going to be there for some years from now – still on top of the game.

“When he wants something, he puts his mind, his body, his everything into it, he’s going to make it. So, it’s a massive inspiration to watch him and to learn from him.”

Can Rune go deep at the Cincinnati Open?

Rune has, so far, had an underwhelming 2024 season by his extremely high standards, slipping from number eight to 16 in the rankings.

Over the past 12 months, Rune has undergone a turbulent time in regard to his core coaching team.

He has cut ties with Boris Becker and Patrick Mouratoglou, among others, but now seems to have settled in with Kenneth Carlsen.

Last week, Rune was able to pick up two solid wins at the Canadian Open before announcing himself with a statement triumph over a red-hot Matteo Berretini in Cincinnati.

Up against Nuno Borges in round two on Thursday, the 15th seed will see this as a good opportunity to pick up vital match practice before the all-important US Open.