Novak Djokovic commented that Boris Becker has already made positive changes in the game of his new protege Holger Rune, after defeating him in the Paris Masters.
The 24-times Grand Slam champion faced 20-year-old rising star Holger Rune for the fourth time in his career in the quarterfinals of Paris Bercy. Djokovic had to battle for a hard-fought victory of 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4, seeking revenge for last year's final in which Rune claimed his first Masters 1000 title.
Rune, who had been going through a period of inconsistency in recent months, recently began a partnership with former world No. 1 Boris Becker as his coach. Becker had coached Djokovic between 2014 and 2016, during which Djokovic won 6 Grand Slam titles.
Regarding this, 'Nole' expressed his opinion that Rune's association with Becker is already showing improvements in the Dane's game.
“He has been playing much better in the past few weeks since working with Boris,” Novak Djokovic said.
“It was strange seeing Boris in the opposing box, but I knew it might happen this week and I wish Holger and him all the best in Turin,” he added.
Rune secured his spot in the Finals after the defeats of Hurkacz and De Minaur, who were the only ones who could still earn enough points to knock him out of the tournament. This will be Rune's first time in the tournament, and he will arrive after just a few weeks of working with Becker.
“We’ve known each other for some years now and I thought that he has great experience both with his own career, but also as a coach,” Rune said.
“So, we talked a little bit, and we had a great practice week in Monaco, and here we are,” he added.
“It was my own decision to look around to see what I thought would fit me. I feel like I thought this would be good and it turned out to be good. So I’m very happy and pleased with that,” Rune concluded.
Spectacular fight last night from both players. Congratulations @DjokerNole! @holgerrune2003 showed a lot of poise and perseverance. As his coach I’m excited to work with such a promising young player. Now the focus is on the #ATPFinals. See you in Turin 🎾
