Exclusive: Holger Rune insists he is not a tennis 'bad boy' ahead of the Italian Open and French Open
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ByEurosport
Published 11/05/2023 at 07:12 GMT
Holger Rune has "developed a reputation" in men's tennis for some of his recent on-court behaviour, according to John McEnroe. However, speaking exclusively to Eurosport at the Italian Open, the 20-year-old does not believe that showing his emotions on the court should see him be labelled a 'bad boy' in the sport. He said: "Maybe the ones who show emotion they call them this but I don't agree."
'Many players don't show emotions' - Rune says he is not a tennis 'bad boy'
Holger Rune insists he is not the 'bad boy' of tennis ahead of the Italian Open.
The Dane was caught up in controversy at the Madrid Open which saw him get reprimanded by umpire Carlos Bernardes.
He has also had a running dispute with Stan Wawrinka which began at the end of last year.
Wawrinka appeared to tell Rune to "stop acting like a baby" after his defeat to the 20-year-old in the Paris Masters in November.
Tempers flared again when the pair played each other at Indian Wells last month and Wawrinka won in three sets. When both players went to shake hands at the net, Rune smiled and said: “You’ve got nothing to say now?”
In 2021, Rune apologised for shouting alleged homophobic remarks during a match on the ATP Challenger Tour and last year was involved in a bad-tempered clash with Casper Ruud at the French Open.
John McEnroe believes Rune is "developing a reputation" with some of his on-court behaviour, but the world No. 7 does not think he should be considered a 'bad boy' in the sport.
"I don't think so personally," he exclusively told Eurosport.
"Many players don't show emotions. Maybe the ones who show emotion they call them this but I don't agree. Of course everyone has their own opinion and I respect it.
"When people try to hype up something everyone is getting hyped about it."
Rune also says that when he shows emotion on the court it is because of his passion for the sport.
"Sometimes yes, sometimes not [good to show emotion]," he said.
"It depends on the emotion. Now I'm 20, I'm still learning and trying to do what's best for me. Trying a few things here and there.
"At the end of the day it's the passion for the sport and I really like to compete and do everything I can do to win."
Rune, who reached the Monte Carlo Masters final this year before losing to Andrey Rublev, is flattered by the Serb's comments but says only time will tell.
"The future will show," he said.
"I'm happy that a player like that can talk so positively about us. Obviously he's part of the 'Big Three' right now. Seeking his 23rd Grand Slam and we will try and stop him from doing that. Obviously it's going to be tough but the future will show."
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'I'm going to tell you one thing' - Umpire gives Rune advice as Madrid crowd boo Dane
Rune also says the exploits of fellow 20-year-old Alcaraz, who has won four titles this season, are "inspiring", but that he is "focusing" on his own journey.
"I don't need other players to push me. I push myself every day and focus on myself. Everyone has their own path.
"Alcaraz is extremely fast in everything he's doing, winning already Grand Slams and so many Masters. It's different for player to player."
Rune will play his first match of the Italian Open on Friday as he ramps up his clay-court preparations for the French Open which gets underway on May 28.
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