Holger Rune is eager to end Novak Djokovic's dominance

The Dane believes hiring former Serbian coach Boris Becker will push him to new heights. Ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, Rune has said he wants to knock Djokovic off his "dominant position".

Last year, only Carlos Alcaraz, with his Wimbledon title, prevented Djokovic from completing the Grand Slam Calendar (winning four Grand Slams in a calendar year). The world No. 1, who turns 37 in May, remains the favourite to win an 11th Australian Open and a record 25th Grand Slam in Melbourne this month.

Djokovic is still the number one candidate for the 2024 Australian Open championship title (Photo: Getty).

World No. 8 Rune beat Djokovic at the Rome Masters last summer, while world No. 4 Jannik Sinner beat the Serb twice in November. World No. 2 Alcaraz now has two Grand Slam titles. However, Rune admits that the Next Gen (the next generation of talented young players) have to work harder, saying: "We have to move on."

"We have to do it not just once but more often because I beat Djokovic last year, Sinner also beat him. However, Djokovic still won three out of four Grand Slams and almost won Wimbledon. So we need to do everything to bring him down."

"I have never beaten Djokovic in a Grand Slam. Nothing is impossible, but I think it will be much harder. Djokovic is always comfortable in Grand Slams, he is at his best in five-set matches and has a lot of experience. Djokovic knows he can play badly in the first two sets, but still come back successfully."

"I don't think there are many but there will be a few players who can compete with Djokovic in the best matches at Grand Slams, I think it's not a small number."

Rune is eager to overthrow Djokovic's dominance (Photo: Getty).

Rune hired Becker last October after he had fallen off the pace since reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals. The German coached Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, during which time the Serb won six Grand Slams.

"I believe I can become a multiple Grand Slam champion and I know it will take a lot of work to be successful. I have worked hard in pre-season and am really keen to improve. With Becker, I can work on the mental and tactical issues rather than the technical ones," Rune said.

"Sometimes he would say, 'Take your time between points, don't rush.' Of course, he had some tips, especially on serving. Becker himself has a great serve and there are a lot of psychological lessons in it."

Rune will play the Brisbane International final today (January 5) with the hope of winning the fifth ATP title of his career.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/holger-rune-khat-khao-cham-dut-su-thong-tri-cua-novak-djokovic-20240107094444511.htm