When asked if he could share his 2024 goals, Holger Rune did not hesitate.
“To win a Grand Slam,” he confidently told ausopen.com.
“You know, it’s a big goal of mine. It’s what I’ve been working for all of my life, so I’m eager to achieve it.”
The 20-year-old from Denmark is doing everything possible to help that dream become a reality too.
He added six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker to his team in October 2023 and also joined forces with esteemed coach Severin Luthi last month.
Becker previously guided Novak Djokovic to multiple Grand Slam titles, while Luthi enjoyed a long association with one of Rune’s childhood idols, Roger Federer.
Rune’s eagerness to learn from experienced peers has also been evident at this week’s Brisbane International, where he teamed with five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray in doubles.
It was world No.8 Rune who initiated the partnership with Murray, a player 16 years his senior.
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“I asked him about a month ago if he wanted to play doubles here in Brisbane for preparation for the Australian Open and to get some matches. He said yes and it was good fun,” Rune explained.
Despite losing their opening-round match in three sets, Rune relished the experience.
“It was great,” he said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t win but I thought we played some good doubles together and it was good fun to share the court with him.”
Rune was hoping to absorb knowledge and wisdom from the two-time Olympic gold medallist throughout the week.
“Honestly we didn’t have a lot of time for that, I wish we had more time,” he said.
“Maybe if we had won a couple of matches, we’d get to speak a little bit more. But that’s what it is.”
Rune made a more promising start to his singles campaign, with the top seed recording a three-set victory against world No.45 Max Purcell in the opening round.
His growing self-belief was evident as he bounced back from a slow start, which saw Purcell win 12 of the opening 13 points in the match.
“It was difficult in the beginning, I had to find my rhythm,” Rune said following his 4-6 6-4 6-2 triumph, his first win of the 2024 season.
“But I thought once I found it, especially on the serve, I managed to get a lot of free points. That helped me get into the match and I kept fighting to find solutions.”
Showcasing Rune’s mental fortitude, it was a performance that further enhances his credential as an Australian Open title contender this summer.
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“I believe in myself always when I’m on the court,” Rune said.
“I feel like I’m ready (to win a Grand Slam). If I didn’t believe I was ready for it, then for sure it’s not going to happen.”