Quick questions with Holger Rune: Special feelings & Montreal poutine | ATP Tour

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Quick quiz with Holger Rune: Special feelings & Montreal poutine

Dane talks to ATPtour.com after winning the first round in Montreal

August 07, 2024

Many fans lined up to leave Court Central on Tuesday evening in Montreal chanting Holger Rune’s name. Some want an autograph, some ask for a picture. There was enthusiastic support for the 21-year-old Dane, who had just beaten Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in the first round of Rogers’ Omnium Banque National.

Rune, who reached a career-high No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings last year, is competing in Montreal for just the second time. But he felt like a crowd favorite when he fought to get into the second round.

ATPTour.com has caught the 13th seed, who will play another Spaniard, Pablo Carreno Busta, in a quick-fire round with the Dane.

It was a soothing voice when they shouted ‘Holger! Holger! Holger!’ Do you remember the first time fans cheered your name?
Yes, it was many years ago. And it’s good. It feels so good to be supported. It’s a special feeling. To be able to travel around the world and hear my name, it’s really nice. Playing the first round here on the central court means a lot, and it was a special occasion. I’m just happy that I was able to produce good enough tennis to get through.

Did you ever watch a prime time game as a kid in the stands?
Millions, millions. Well, not a lot in the arenas, but almost every prime time game on TV. Even the non-prime-time shows, I still watched. So I was watching almost from Court 14 to center court, almost every tennis match.

But again, I was privileged enough to attend a few tournaments with my family. I went to the Stockholm Open when I was a kid. It’s good to have these memories in the bag, and now to be there as a player.

Jumping to Round 2 🕺@OBNmontreal | #OBN24 pic.twitter.com/8mAgdRVRkv

– ATP Tour (@atptour) August 7, 2024

Is there anything similar coming out of Stockholm?
Yes, I was watching…I’m pretty sure it was [Gael] Monfils against [Milos] Raonic, which is funny, because I was supposed to play Milos tonight. I’m very young, and they’re still on Tour, so it’s great to be able to share those moments with these players.

He is leaving tomorrow. What does a day off in Montreal look like for Holger Rune?
We’re going to go eat poutine. Canadian specialty food, which looks great. I heard that I should definitely eat that, but not on game day, it’s too heavy. But it’s the same, honestly. Get up, eat breakfast, do physio work, walk, prevent, exercise, relax, prepare for the next day. So it’s boring, but cool.