"He has to improve mentally": Scathing criticism from coach Boris Becker towards charge Holger Rune after Australian Open exit

Although Holger Rune has been tipped to be the next big tennis star, the young Dane still has a lot to improve, says coach Boris Becker.

The World No.8 began working with Becker in October 2023, with the duo later confirming their partnership for the 2024 season. Under the retired German's tutelage, Rune made it to the semi-finals at the Swiss Indoors and the quarter-finals at the Paris Masters, qualifying for the prestigious end-of-season ATP Finals.

Although Rune battled past Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in the opening round of the 2024 Australian Open, the rising Danish star fell to wildcard entrant Arthur Cazaux in the second round. Becker attributed some aspects of the loss to Rune's lack of mental strength, which could be improved over time.

"Losing the first set in the tie-break and then losing your very first service game in the second set, those are the moments he has to improve mentally," said Becker.

Nonetheless, Becker still had high praise for his ward, who recently admitted he'd like to win a Grand Slam title in 2024.

"He’s got a very quick arm, he’s got a lot of firepower, he’s got a lot of inspiration on the court, but at the same time that’s the problem," said the former World No.1. "It’s knowing when to do what. So talking about tactics, when to accelerate, when to take chances and when you play defensively, it’s always a fine line when to do what.
"He needs to use the heavy topspin a bit more. Now and then it’s a bit flat or he hits a half-volley from the baseline, which on good days is a trick shot and on bad days you hit it with the frame out. So the average needs to be a little higher and I would want him to play with a heavier topspin."