HAMBURG/STARNBERG, July 15, 2024
Holger Rune is back in Northern Germany and met the media representatives ahead of his start at the Hamburg Open. The 21-year-old Dane aims to make a strong showing in the Free and Hanseatic City and then compete for medals at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“The Games mean a lot to me, almost as much as a Grand Slam. You don’t play for yourself, you fight for your country. Hamburg will certainly be a very good preparation,” Rune said on Sunday.
Currently ranked 15th in the world, Rune arrived in Hamburg in high spirits and has been working hard on the practice courts to achieve his goals.
“The conditions here are obviously not exactly the same, but with good training and a good tournament in Hamburg, it will be ideal preparation for the Olympics,” he said. In Paris, Rune aims to make a splash not only in singles but also in mixed doubles. “You want to have as many opportunities to win medals as possible. But one is also fine.”
The top two seeds at the Hamburg Open pose for us before their first match ✨ @AlexZverev | @holgerrune2003
📸 Witters Sportfotografie pic.twitter.com/V9ep8cf51Q
— Hamburg Open ATP 500 (@hamburgopenatp) July 15, 2024
Alongside his team, Rune is also accompanied by his mother, Aneke, in Hamburg. “She has a significant influence on me and knows what I need to be successful. I’m glad she’s with me during this phase,” Rune said. “I’m really looking forward to this clay-court swing starting in Hamburg.”
However, Rune has drawn one of the toughest first-round opponents in Hungarian Fabian Marozsan, who won the only previous meeting between the two at the Miami Open this year. Rune was, however, dealing with some issues at the time. “The good thing is, from our last match, I know how he plays and what to expect. I had some problems myself back then. But that’s in the past. I am ready to play,” he stated.
