Holger Rune won in Canada as he hoped to find some form before the U.S. Open.
After losing Wimbledon’s first round, Dane heads to Washington Open Washington DC.
Before the game, Rune was trained by Andre Agassi to learn from the eight-time Grand Slam champion.
However, he couldn't show off what he had learned, because Runes quit the Washington Open due to late issues.
Julien de Rosa / AFP via Getty Images
Rune returned to Toronto and won his first game, beating Giovanni Mpitsi Pericard 7-6, 6-3.
After the game, Rune was asked about his opinion that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were away from the rest of the ATP Tour.
Holger Rune thinks he can “challenge” Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
Rune was asked the following questions at the post-match press conference.
Carlos Alcaraz said after the Wimbledon final that when he and Jannik Sinner played against each other, their level of play was the level he thought no one else could play at this level. You approached them 2-2 with Alcaraz, including the victory in Barcelona, and the victory in Barcelona, which happened to hit the sinner 3-2, so my question is, my question is, my question is, my question is, my question is, my question is, my question is, you get along well with you. Player? ”
Holger Rune's post-match press conference
Runes provide an interesting response that reflects what makes world number one and second so good.
He said, “Yes, I think you forgot something, you know?
“The question about whether few players can reach their level and have a chance to beat them. I believe. We have seen it in the past.
“I think Carlos is obvious [Alcaraz] There are indeed many games in many games. I think they are in a very consistent state at this level.
- Jannik Sinner's longest winning streak – 26 matches (2024/2025)
- Carlos Alcaraz's longest winning streak – 24 games (2025)
- Holger Rune's longest winning streak – 9 matches (2022)
“It's very difficult. It's a lot of dedication.”
The 22-year-old then suggested that he try to follow in Alcaraz and Sinner's footsteps as he hopes to challenge his Grand Slam title.
Rune said, “It’s something I’m working on because I absolutely believe I have a great game that, as I’ve shown in the past, can challenge them and play from them as well.”
“I think it’s fun. This is the guy you want to compete with in the biggest final.
“I feel like for me I can do that and that will improve my level too. Because there is nothing like playing games that can create the same feeling.
“I think it’s going to go through the first round and play the top four, top four players in the world.”
Rune knows the biggest difference between himself and the sinner/Alkalaz, and although he can beat the world first and second on any day, he doesn't have the consistency they have.
The early appearance of the ATP Championship was the main reason why Runes failed to compete for the big championship and world number one.
rankNamepoint2025 first round of losses2025 second round of losses1Jannik Sinner12,030–12Carlos Alcaraz8,6001–3Alexander Zverev6,030334Taylor Fritz5,135335Jack Draper4,650126Novak Djokovic4,1304–7Ben Shelton3,520638Alex de Minaur3,335219Holger Rune3,2506310lorenzo musetti3,19522Current top ten ATP (The first/second round loss is equal to the first and second games of the ATP event)
If the runes can reduce the first and second round failures, he will likely find himself improving his ranking soon.
Holger Rune vs. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner head-to-head record
The reporter mentioned that Runes succeeded in head-to-head against Alkaraz and the sinner, but how did he perform against the world's first and second?
matchwinnerloserFraction2025 Australian Open – 4rjannik sinnerholger rune6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-22024 Monte Carlo Master – QFJANNIK SINNERHOLGER RUNE6-4, 6-7, 6-32023 ATP Finals – Rrjannik Sinnerholger Rune6-2, 6-42023 Sinner1-6, 7-5, 7-52022 Sofia Open – Sfholger Runejannik Sinner5-7, 6-4, 5-2 (ret)Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner's head-to-head record
Rune won his first two games against the Italian star, but has not beaten him since then, losing his last three games.
However, he had a greater success with Alcalazz but won their recent clash in the Barcelona Open final.
Runes led 2-2, winning his first ATP title in two years with a huge victory in Spain.
matchwinnerloserFraction2025 Barcelona Open – Fholger Runecarlos Alcaraz7-6, 6-22023 Wimbledon – Qfcarlos alcarazholger rune7-6, 6-4, 6-42022 Paris Normal Rune4-3, 4-2, 4-0Holger Rune and Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head record
Only time will tell whether the runes can continue to succeed against Alkaraz and the sinner, but it is certainly worth looking forward to.
Runes will first turn their attention to the third round of the Canadian Open, where he will play Alexandre Muller on Thursday, July 31.