Nicolas Mahut predicts Holger Rune will capture a Grand Slam despite 'not being as strong" as Alcaraz and Sinner

Nicolas Mahut backs Holger Rune to win at least one Grand Slam title despite "not being as strong" as his contemporaries Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The Danish player’s highest ranking has been world No. 4, although it’s been more than six months since he dropped out of the top-10.

The 21-year-old was once considered a potential "third rival" for Sinner (23 years old) and Alcaraz (21), with discussions around a new Big-3 for the future. However, he has yet to reach the achievements of his peers, with his biggest title being the Paris Masters, while Sinner and Alcaraz are both multi-time Grand Slam and Masters 1000 champions.

Rune has four titles and has been a runner-up five times. His last title came at the ATP 250 Bavarian Open in April 2023, and his most recent final was at the Brisbane International in January 2024, where he lost to Grigor Dimitrov.

In a recent interview with Eurosport France, Nicolas Mahut assessed Holger Rune’s chances of taking the next step in his career and winning a major title: “Rune won’t be satisfied until he wins a Grand Slam,” said the former doubles No. 1.

“I think he’s completely consumed by it. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day he manages to win one,” the former French tennis player added. “Obviously, he’s not as strong as Sinner and Alcaraz, but there will be more room than during the golden generation with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray. There will be opportunities, and I think he’ll be one of those players who can seize one.”

Rune reached the quarterfinals of the Japan Open this week after defeating Alejandro Tabilo and home favorite Yoshito Nishioka. His next match will be on Sunday against former US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori.