Rune on Alcaraz’s documentary : “Normal not to feel the same motivation every day, we’re human”
Holger Rune enjoyed the experience of watching his old friend and rival Carlos Alcaraz in the documentary “My Way”. He sees the Spaniard as a genuine hard worker, despite controversy on his way of life
Holger Rune, Rome 2025 | © Tristan Lapierre / Tennis Majors
If there’s someone on Tour that knows Carlos Alcaraz well without being part of his team, it’s Holger Rune. Born in the same year(2003), the Dane played doubles with Alcaraz in youth categories and their rivalry as the young and ambitious young men on the ATP Tour was highlighted in the Netflix series Break Point.
Rune, who defeated Alcaraz in the Barcelona final three weeks ago, shared his thoughts on Alcaraz’s documentary, My Way. “I actually talked to him a little bit about it in the locker room,” Rune said after his win against Comesana in Rome. “I do think it’s great for the fans to see more of what’s behind the scenes. We’re human after all. People don’t see the struggles we go through and everything. It is a very demanding life, but at the same time, we all love it, and this is why we keep going and pushing for more.”
Asked how he sees Alcaraz’s own demand for being free not to commit 100% and to enjoy life in parallel to his athlete’s life, Rune highlighted that he saw Alcaraz as a great worker.
I don’t want to say anything controversial, but I might have been a little bit more serious than (Alcaraz) in Juniors. But he’s catching up.
“I don’t want to say anything controversial, but I might have been a little bit more serious than him in juniors. But he’s catching up. He’s really catching up. He’s very, very serious now. Maybe we’re a bit different. Everyone is different. Spanish people live differently than Danish people. So it’s just, I guess, a different kind of character.”
Rune further reflected on the natural fluctuations in motivation:
“I think it’s normal for every player to have their own desire for disconnection. You don’t feel the same motivation every day, but it’s normal. Some days you have to dig a little bit deeper to find some more energy; other days it’s easier. That’s part of life, whether it’s tennis or a normal job or whatever.”
Regarding the possibility of participating in a documentary himself, Rune responded: “Good question. Sure. Why not in the future? But right now, I’m okay.”
Filmed in 2023, the Netflix episode featuring Alcaraz and Rune showcased the Spaniard winning his second Grand Slam tournament (he has now won four), while Rune was still seeking his path to similar glory.
