Holger Rune looks to dethrone Novak Djokovic at first Grand Slam of 2024: "My choice would be the Australian Open final"

ATP
Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 23:30
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Holger Rune is hopeful about his chances in the 2024 Australian Open and has mentioned his ambition to reach the final and defeat Novak Djokovic there.
The 20-year-old tennis player already has experience in several Grand Slam main draws and will be participating in the Aussie Open for the third time starting on January 15, entering as one of the favorites ranked as world No. 8. Rune aspires to prove in 2024 that he can advance to later stages in Grand Slams, having reached three quarterfinals, two in the French Open (2022, 2023) and one at Wimbledon (2023).
“It’s true. I feel very good on the biggest stages. Is different. The atmosphere is incredible,” Rune said.
“Maybe because I'm very passionate about my tennis, it feels even better to be surrounded by lots of people who are excited to see great tennis. Bring anything extra,” he added.
His record in Australia this year was reaching the fourth round, but he faced a tough battle with Andrey Rublev (3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7). However, this time, if he maintains his position as the eighth in the world at the entry list cutoff, he will avoid facing any opponent with a higher ranking than him, at least until the quarterfinals.
Rune expressed confidence in what he can achieve in the early months of the year, as he mentioned in an interview with Bola Amarela.
“Now I want to have great results on outdoor hard ground,”
“I've done very well on clay, grass and indoor hard courts, so now it's time to show off my outdoor hardcourt tennis. That's why my choice would be the Australian Open final against Novak,” the 2022 Paris Masters champion added.
Rune has already played against Novak Djokovic on five occasions, securing two victories, a notable achievement that hasn't gone unnoticed by the 24-times Grand Slam champion. Djokovic has praised the Danish player and has even drawn comparisons between Rune and himself:
“I accept that as a huge compliment. I mean… Novak managed to achieve everything we dreamed of,” Rune concluded.

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