Holger Rune Opens Up About Mentorship from Andre Agassi at Citi DC Open: “It’s Not Anything Magic, but He Had Very Wise Words”
Holger Rune, the 22-year-old Danish tennis star ranked world No. 8, has shared insights into his recent mentorship with Andre Agassi at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, describing the experience as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a transformative revelation. Speaking during a media session on July 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Rune revealed that he initiated contact with the eight-time Grand Slam champion months ago, seeking extra input as he stabilizes his game. “I thought now was a good moment to reach out to Agassi because my base is back and I’m playing well again,” he said. “When you’re changing coaches a lot, you don’t play as well because you’re not following one opinion or a single structure. I thought this was the right time to get some extra input.”
The collaboration began with a three-day training block ahead of the tournament, which starts today, July 21, 2025. Rune, who continues to work with his childhood coach Lars Christensen, described Agassi’s guidance as practical and insightful. “It’s not anything magic, but he obviously had some very wise words I can use,” Rune noted, highlighting Agassi’s unique perspective on the game. The American legend, a two-time US Open champion with five titles at this venue, offered tips on improving Rune’s already strong return game and shared broader strategic advice, engaging with Christensen to align their efforts.
Rune, who has faced a rollercoaster 2025 season with a Barcelona Open win and an Indian Wells final but six first-round losses, including a Wimbledon exit to Nicolas Jarry, sees this mentorship as a step toward his goal of reaching world No. 1. “He sees the game in a way I’ve never experienced before,” Rune added, expressing admiration for Agassi’s wisdom. The partnership is currently a trial, with no long-term commitment, though Rune expressed openness to future collaboration, calling Agassi “a great man.”
This move comes as Rune, seeded third, prepares for his opening match against Alexandre Muller or a qualifier, aiming to kick off the US hard-court swing strongly. Agassi’s involvement, his first notable coaching stint since working with Novak Djokovic in 2017-2018, has generated buzz, with some viewing it as a potential boost for Rune’s ambition to rival Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. As the tournament unfolds at 07:17 AM WAT, Rune’s willingness to learn from a legend like Agassi underscores his drive to refine his game and overcome recent inconsistencies.
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