Holger Rune, who reached the round of 16 at the Masters tournament in Rome, spoke about his relationship with Patrick Muratoglu and how he is considered a member of the future BIG 3 in men’s tennis. The 20-year-old Dane also set himself a lofty goal for 2023.

Patrick Muratoglu remains important to Holger Rune

Patrick Muratoglu ended his cooperation with the Dane at the beginning of April, but the French coach still accompanies Holger.

“I’m still a member of his academy and when I need help, he’s there. He’s with me this week, along with my physical trainer, my mom, and my analyst. I am very happy, I have a perfect team” – Rune of Holger in an interview with the Tennis Channel.

Holger Rune, Carlos Alcaraz and Yannick Sinner, the new BIG 3 in men’s tennis?

The BIG 3 is already without Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are no longer in their prime. The Dane spoke about

“Interesting, that’s for sure. It’ll be fun if this (him, Alcaraz and the Sinner) becomes the next BIG 3. I’m trying to focus on myself, I don’t need others to bring out the best in me, I can do it myself but great I see Alcaraz already won a tournament Grand Slam and became the first racket of the world, and Grishnyk defeated Alcaraz. We have very tight battles, and there are great players” – Rune of Holger.

Holger Run’s goal this season: to win a Grand Slam

“My goal this year is the Grand Slam tournament. I already won the Masters 1000 in Paris and I feel the next step is a Grand Slam. I know it’s not easy, and it may or may not happen, but I’ll do my best. I feel good physically and mentally, so I hope this year will come” – Rune of Holger.

Holger Run’s mother, details on the Dane’s tennis beginnings

Aneke, Holger’s mother, said he reached his first final against Rafael Nadal (who was then ranked second in the ATP rankings).

After the defeat, the Dane asked his parents to take down the Rafa poster in his room and put up a poster of Roger Federer (then world number 1) with the words: “I never want to be number two, it’s terrible.”

“I think he remains very calm in difficult situations, he is very brave. He is not afraid and wants to do everything perfectly. He’s only 20 years old, but he’s already up against the best in the world. She is not afraid of anything and I am proud of that.

It is joyful and sincere. He is not afraid to show his character and who he is. He has a plan A and a goal, and it’s all or nothing. He goes to the goal. He doesn’t need to apologize if he fails. He never had a plan B” – A few runesHolger’s mother.

• Holger Roon (7th seed) will meet Australian Oleksii Popyrin (77 ATP) in the round of 16 of the Rome Masters.

The Rome Masters takes place from May 10 to 21 on clay, is part of the ATP 1000 category, has a total prize money of €7,705,780, Novak Djokovic is the reigning champion and Rafael Nadal holds the record for titles at the Italian Forum (10 ).