Holger Rune has laid bare his thoughts on his shock first-round exit from the 2024 US Open via a brutally honest admission. The Dane was the favorite going into his tournament opener against the unseeded Brandon Nakashima on Monday, August 26, but lost 2-6, 1-6, 4-6.
Holger Rune had shown promising signs ahead of the 2024 US Open, having reached the Cincinnati Open semifinals before losing to eventual runner-up Frances Tiafoe. However, things unraveled rather rapidly for the former World No. 4, who was seeded 15th at Flushing Meadows.
Against Nakashima, the 2022 Paris Masters champion put up an abject display, particularly struggling with his serve. The Dane also produced five double faults and failed to capitalize on the six break point opportunities he created.
Holger Rune’s loss to Nakashima marked the third time that he exited the prestigious hardcourt Major in the first round out of four main draw appearances. Recently, the Dane took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared an honest assessment of his dismal showing against the American.
Rune rued his performance at the 2024 US Open, suggesting that the external conditions on the day were ideal for him to produce a display more befitting of his undeniable talent.
“Big bummer yesterday (broken heart emoji), The best support, lots of happy tennis kids, perfect weather, perfect court and tournament and I played extremely bad tennis,” Rune wrote.
The World No. 15 also expressed that he did not mean any offense to Nakashima through his post, and went on to lay bare his desire to avoid a repeat of such a disastrous performance in future.
“No offence to my opponent, but I managed only 39% !!first serves , tons of unforced errors, this is not what I or anyone should expect. I need to look into everything now. This is not satisfying for me or my fans. I will not let you down anymore,” Rune added.
Holger Rune is yet to win a title this season, which has so far been marred by the Dane’s hire-and-fire approach towards his coaches.
Holger Rune has parted ways with coaches Boris Becker, Severin Luthi and Patrick Mouratoglou this year
Rune began his collaboration with the legendary Boris Becker as his coach last year, soon after his calamitous first-round loss at the US Open. At the time, the collaboration was announced as a short-term arrangement intended to help Rune qualify for the year-end Nitto ATP Finals.
Later, Becker confirmed that he would be working with Rune in 2024 as well. However, soon after the Dane’s second-round elimination at this year’s Australian Open, the German stated that the duo would no longer be working together.
Rune had briefly roped in Roger Federer’s ex-coach Severin Luthi as well, but again, it was a short-lived association. The Dane would later rekindle his professional relationship with Patrick Mouratoglou, the ex-coach of Serena Williams and Simona Halep.
However, in late July, the former World No. 4 split with Mouratoglou for the third time, announcing it via a social media post. For the time being, his compatriot Kenneth Carlsen remains his coach.
Holger Rune has suffered a first-round exit at the US Open for the second year in a row and his win-loss record for 2024 currently stands at 33-18.
