Is there enough time to truly appreciate all the different countries and cultures ATP stars play in? This question has popped up yet again after a recent revelation. Holger Rune, who turned pro at the age of 16 and won his first ITF title in 2020, gained further recognition after his major win over Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Paris Masters final. Beyond his passion for the sport, the Dane has a deep love for traveling and exploring the cultures and foods of the places he visits.

Currently in Melbourne for the Australian Open, Rune is soaking in the city’s unique culture. In a recent conversation with GQ, he shared his appreciation for the contrast between the colder European winters and Melbourne’s warm, vibrant energy. “Coming from winter to be down here in the heat is super nice. Melbourne is a cool city, it’s very European, the people are cool, and it’s a nice vibe,” he stated.

Rune is also fascinated by the food scene in Melbourne, finding it distinct from other countries he’s visited. “I love it here in Melbourne too; it’s very different to America. The food is great – no offense to American food [laughs],” he said with a playful gag. Melbourne’s culinary offerings have certainly made an impact on him.

The 21-year-old also cherishes unexpected moments of joy in other countries, including his time in Japan. “One place I was surprisingly happy to play in was Japan, it’s an amazing country. Being in Tokyo to see the culture and the food. The people were so nice there.”

For Rune, tennis and travel go hand in hand, creating a unique way to experience the world. “It’s nice to get a feeling of where you actually are. Whatever city I am in, I go with the team to explore a little bit,” he said. Despite the busy schedule, Rune maintains a deep appreciation for the diversity of cultures he encounters. “As long as there’s a tennis court and a ball, I’m very happy to play everywhere in the world,” he says, underlying his passion for the sport and the global stage it offers.

The world number 13, finds joy in tennis’ small yet meaningful pleasures. He reflects on the simple satisfaction of opening a fresh can of tennis balls. “It is a very good sound,” he said. But for Rune, nothing beats the thrill of precision on the court. “The best sound is hitting a new ball in the middle of the racket. That’s an amazing sound, especially on a big court,” he added.

These moments show Rune’s love for the game, a passion that has driven him since childhood. Growing up, his local court was always packed, forcing kids to compete just to get a chance to play. “There was only one court and lots of kids, so we had to fight our way to play,” Rune shared. Despite the challenges, his early years were filled with inspiration as he idolized legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “I remember when I started to imitate Roger and Rafa – one day turning up with a bandana like Rafa and the next day being like Roger. That’s a cool memory,” he recalled a delightful childhood memory.

Holger Rune’s remarkable growth, from cramping struggles to glory

Holger Rune’s journey to becoming one of tennis’s brightest stars began with a tough lesson on endurance. At the US Open, the young Dane showed promise by taking a set-off against god-king Novak Djokovic. However, his cramps ended his hopes of pulling off an upset in the tiring best-of-five match. Just over a year later, Rune turned the tables on the world’s best, defeating Djokovic to claim his maiden Rolex Paris Masters title and announce himself to the tennis world.

A vital change in Rune’s approach was addressing his physical struggles. “I have a nutrition plan now, so I know I get what I need,” he explained. Earlier, a lack of proper nutrition left him prone to meltdowns and cramps during matches. “We found out I did not get half of the sugar and salt I needed,” he revealed. This change transformed his game, helping him win his first ATP title and reach the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas. Reflecting on the transformation, Rune shared, “My coach says a Ferrari with no fuel is useless. He is right. I now know how much these things matter.”

Rune’s improved physicality shone brightest in Paris, where he became the first player to defeat Djokovic from a set down in a Masters final in 2022. “It was the dream final in Paris for me,” the Dane said, acknowledging Djokovic’s unmatched achievements. “He is still a huge inspiration to me, no matter the result in Paris.” Rune’s rise in form earned him a Top 10 debut and nominations for two ATP Awards.

Despite his success, Holger Rune remains focused on growth, particularly improving his serve. “When you put energy into something, you always get better at it,” he stated, expressing confidence in his constant rise since 2023. What are your predictions for Rune’s performance at 2025’s first Grand Slam event? Tell us in the comment section below!