Novak Djokovic follows rising ATP star Holger Rune on Instagram as the tennis prodigy recalls surreal moment and thanks the Serbian legend
Novak Djokovic Follows Rising Star Holger Rune on Instagram as Danish Prodigy Recalls Surreal Moment
Novak Djokovic remains a dominant force both on and off the court, engaging millions through his active social media presence. With 34.8 million Instagram followers, the Serbian legend is among the most-followed tennis players globally. Known for using his platform to celebrate fellow athletes’ achievements, Djokovic recently left rising ATP star Holger Rune in awe by following him on Instagram—a moment Rune described as “surreal.”
At just 21 years old, Holger Rune has already established himself as Denmark’s most successful male tennis player. His breakthrough moment came at the 2022 Paris Masters, where, as a fearless 19-year-old, he stunned Djokovic in the final to claim his first Masters 1000 title. This victory announced his arrival on the biggest stage and proved his ability to compete with the sport’s elite.
Despite being 16 years his senior, Djokovic has always recognized Rune’s immense potential. The Serb has spoken highly of Rune’s aggressive style and mental resilience, often drawing comparisons between them. In a recent interview with PressReader, Rune was asked, “Who was the first famous person to follow you on Instagram?” His answer was heartfelt:
“It was Djokovic. We trained when I was very young, and I think he was already following me since then. Very kind of him. Thanks, Novak.”
This gesture aligns with Djokovic’s long-standing support for emerging talents. Over the years, he has mentored and encouraged numerous young players, frequently offering them advice and practice sessions. Ahead of their Wimbledon showdown last year, Djokovic acknowledged his bond with Rune:
“I actually get along very well with him. He’s a very nice guy. Always has been to me and to my team, and vice versa. I always try to be available to him for any practice, advice, or guidance.”
Rune’s story is yet another example of how Djokovic’s influence extends beyond winning titles. The Serbian icon continues to serve as an inspiration and guiding figure for the next generation of tennis stars.
Hamad Medjedovic Stuns Holger Rune in Davis Cup Clash
While Holger Rune continues to climb the ATP rankings, his recent form has raised concerns. His latest setback came in the Davis Cup qualifiers, where he suffered a 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 defeat to rising Serbian talent Hamad Medjedovic.
In a heavy-hitting contest, 21-year-old Medjedovic showcased remarkable consistency, fending off seven of nine break points and handling the pressure with poise. The Serbian, who won the Next Gen ATP Finals in 2023, carried that momentum into the new season, recently securing an ATP Challenger Tour title in Oeiras, Portugal. His victory over Rune marked his second Davis Cup win in as many appearances, reinforcing his status as one of the ATP Tour’s most promising young players.
The match saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Rune started strong, dictating play in the first set, but Medjedovic’s deep, precise returns began exploiting Rune’s forehand vulnerabilities. As the match progressed, Rune’s game unraveled, plagued by inconsistency and unforced errors. By the third set, his level had dropped significantly, allowing Medjedovic to dominate and close out the match comfortably.
What’s Next for Rune?
Rune’s recent struggles have raised questions about his ability to maintain a steady upward trajectory. While his talent is undeniable, his game has shown little improvement over the past year, and his tendency to fade after strong starts remains a concern. With rising stars like Medjedovic making rapid progress, Rune faces a pivotal period where he must address his inconsistencies if he hopes to remain a top contender on the ATP Tour.
Can Rune bounce back and regain his momentum, or will new challengers continue to rise?
