Novak Djokovic’s big difference from Roger Federer highlighted by French Open teen | Tennis | Sport
Holger Rune has compared Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after storming to the third round of the French Open. While all eyes are on 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz this tournament, the Dane is another teenager making waves after beating 14th seed Denis Shapovalov and Henri Laaksonen in his debut at the clay-court Major. And Rune has now shared his experiences of practising with the two legends, making a scheduling decision to achieve his Federer “dream”.
Rune is into the third-round on his debut at the French Open without dropping a set. It comes off the back of his recent first top five win over Alexander Zverev at the world No 3’s home tournament in Munich. Now up to No 40 in the world after starting the year ranked down at No 103, the teenager has given his verdict on Djokovic and Federer as he shared his experiences with the two 20-time Major champions.
“I think Novak also secures inspiration with the mental stuff, how he can stay so calm and brutal in these kind of moments. It’s just so inspiring to see these guys,” the French Open debutant told Tennis Majors. Comparing the two after having the chance to practice with both, he added: “It’s a lot more intense with Novak, let’s be clear to say that. Novak’s practice is always very tough. He’s very intense, and he’s hitting the ball strongly. So it’s very good challenge to practise with him. He pushes you a lot. He makes you run, how precise he hits the ball.
“And Roger, I just had some warm up with him so not like normal practice. He shows it and he goes out there and he plays unbelievable.” While he thought Djokovic was the more intense practice partner, he had been in awe of the 40-year-old during their brief interactions.
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