Holger Rune confirms that top players have been subjected to numerous doping tests throughout the year as the Danish tennis star had to provide his sample “around 20 times” only in the first part of 2024.
Over the last few months, one of the main storylines has been the doping in tennis. When it was revealed in August that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner tested positive for a banned substance, the tennis community was left shocked but the majority accepted the Italian’s explanation. However, there were and still are some who don’t believe it and make various claims about the handling of the case.
Just as it started to look like the attention on that matter was reducing, the ITIA announced last Thursday that Iga Swiatek also failed a doping test and accepted a one-month ban. However, just as in the Sinner case, it was accepted that the Pole didn’t intentionally or knowingly dope but it happened after taking a contaminated melatonin medication.
At this week’s UTS event in London, Rune was asked about the doping issue in tennis.
“We had a lot of doping control this year. Before the Olympics this year, I had around 20 (test) and that is a lot, but they are doing everything to keep the sport clean, which is very, very important. I take a lot of care about the supplements I take like every player, but it can be unfortunate or it can be something else (if you test positive),” the 2022 Paris Masters champion said.
Rune also underlined that he is as cautious as can be when it comes to taking supplements but also added that an unfortunate situation could always happen.
“Personally, I always take care of what I eat and drink. If I leave a drink anywhere, I never pick it up again. You have to protect yourself where you can to make sure I can do what I can to do what I love and that’s play tennis every day. I do blood tests maybe once a year to see what my body needs more of, but that’s too personal to talk about. It’s things like vitamin C when you get sick and you need more of that,” the 21-year-old added.
Holger Rune© UTS Tour/Instagram – Fair Use
Rune shares his take on the Novak Djokovic – Andy Murray partnership
Since the current world No. 13 is in London, there was no way he would avoid getting asked about the collaboration that recently sent the tennis world into a frenzy. Answering the question, the Danish tennis star admitted he didn’t expect that Murray would be Djokovic’s next coach but thinks it could turn out to be a good partnership.
“It’s an interesting setup for sure. I don’t think many of us saw it coming. I think it can be potentially good for both of them. Novak didn’t have a coach before so it was natural for him to find a coach, but I didn’t expect someone like Andy,” Rune admitted.
When the initial excitement passed and people started to look at the Djokovic and Murray more realistically, one of the first assessments many had was that the Briton could help the Serb in the tactical department. And the former world No. 4 fully agrees with that.
“Andy is obviously super intelligent player, and also a guy that has been beating him sometimes. I was thinking like ‘Why exactly were they paired together?’ and I think it’s because they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players. They both have a very high IQ in tennis. I think it’s going to be very interesting,” Rune explained.
While Djokovic will probably love what Murray brings tactically-wise, there was another big reason why he wanted the former two-time Wimbledon champion. When searching for a coach, the 37-year-old wanted someone who was in his position.
“I wanted to take my time to find out whether I needed a new coach or not. The decision was yes, but it had to be a tennis legend. Since I was very young, I have played against him… and there are not many people who have won multiple Grand Slam titles. Andy has known me since I was very young, from the age of 12 or 13. He knows my game and everything that I have been through very well. He knows the things that are wrong with my game, all of my mistakes,” Djokovic said.
This week, it was announced that the record 24-time Grand Slam champion signed up to play at the Brisbane International in the first week of 2025.
Unfortunately for some fans, British media indicated that Murray would not be joining Djokovic in Brisbane.
Tennis World USA