INTERNAZIONALI BNL D'ITALIA

May 16, 2023

Holger Rune

Press Conference

H. RUNE/A. Popyrin

6-4, 5-7, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Big battle again today on the Grandstand. How did you feel out there?

HOLGER RUNE: Yeah, I felt good. It was a super tough match. I thought I started well, playing very good, taking time away from him. Second set was tough. It was a battled. He managed to come out on top. I managed to refocus in the third set and start to play my tennis again.

I think that's what makes the difference. I was super sharp, especially at the end of the third, feeling good about my tennis.

Q. Obviously you had that great win over Novak in Paris. What do you think is going to be different about this match on the clay?

HOLGER RUNE: To be honest, I don't think it's going to be so different. Novak is an all-court player. I think he's tough no matter where you play him. He's shown that. He's won Rome six times (smiling). It says itself that it's going to be tough.

I have to be at my best. Now recover physically, try to be as ready as I can for tomorrow, try to play my best tennis because I will need that for tomorrow, for sure.

Q. Today Novak said that you remind him a bit of himself in the past. I don't know if you're honored about this. Right now on a race to Roland Garros, which is your position for you?

HOLGER RUNE: Yeah, I heard Novak said that. Yeah, I mean, it's a good thing I think (smiling). Novak, obviously he has an amazing career.

But yeah, I'm feeling better and better coming into Roland Garros. I feel like I'm getting closer to my best level. Still a few things that I feel like I can do better, which is nice because I still have time.

Tomorrow's going to be a good challenge to see where I'm at. Novak is one of the greatest players that ever played the game. It's good to have the chance to challenge myself and challenge hopefully Novak tomorrow.

Q. I think you played doubles with Carlos as a junior.

HOLGER RUNE: Yeah.

Q. What is it about his game or his physicality that you think he's been able to make it to the top sooner than the other young guys in your generation?

HOLGER RUNE: Yeah, I think he's physically very, very strong. I would say probably one of the strongest in the game already. His tennis, it's also very physical.

I would say he's using his physique very well. He's playing aggressive, explosive tennis. I think his physique is a big part of that. If you didn't have this strong physique, I don't think you would be able to play as aggressive, explosive as he does. For sure it's all combined, yeah.