Too little time for Holger Rune
Boris Becker quits coaching job after four months
February 6, 2024, 6:52 p.m
That was a short interlude. After just four months, Boris Becker ended his collaboration with Holger Rune. At the Australian Open in Melbourne last month, Becker had to watch his former protégé’s early exit on TV.
Boris Becker has ended his collaboration with the young Danish tennis star Holger Rune after less than four months. It became clear to him that as a coach he would have to be available to the 20-year-old “much more than I can. Due to professional and private obligations, I cannot give Holger what he needs,” Becker wrote on X.
Rune had recently failed in the second round of the Australian Open – without the direct support of Becker. The former Wimbledon winner instead worked from Germany for the broadcasting TV station Eurosport as an expert and co-commentator. But he communicated with Rune every day, he said later. In Melbourne, Rune was looked after by long-time Roger Federer coach Severin Lüthi, from whom the Dane has since separated.
Greatest successes with Djokovic
Becker returned to coaching in October after almost seven years. “I wish Holger all the best and will always be his biggest fan. I really enjoyed this journey together,” continued Becker. At the beginning of Becker’s career, Rune was ranked sixth in the world rankings and is currently number seven.
At the beginning of working with the Dane, Becker was almost euphoric. For him, Rune, Becker had said, was “a rough diamond that needs polishing.” He was also impressed by the 20-year-old’s emotional outbursts. “That’s allowed. The coach and the team form an oasis in which the player has to let it out – if he then apologizes and works with concentration again. I did the same thing back then as a professional,” said Becker at the time.
As coach of Grand Slam record champion Novak Djokovic, Becker celebrated numerous successes between 2013 and 2016 and led the Serb back to the top of the ATP rankings. He then worked for the German Tennis Association.