Holger Rune, currently ranked world number nine, is focusing on the Washington Open as part of his efforts to regain momentum after a difficult season on the ATP Tour. The Dane, seeded third at the ATP 500 tournament in Washington DC, is set to face Alexandre Muller in his opening match. This event follows Rune’s unexpected early exit at Wimbledon, where he fell to Nicolas Jarry in the first round while managing a knee injury. With the US Open approaching, Rune has enlisted the expertise of tennis icon Andre Agassi to help prepare for upcoming challenges.
Jack Sock questions the value of a short coaching trial between Rune and Agassi
Andre Agassi and Holger Rune recently undertook a three-day coaching trial, a brief partnership that has raised eyebrows in the tennis community. Former professional Jack Sock expressed confusion about the purpose of such a short trial arrangement during an appearance on the Nothing Major Show. He remarked,
“I don’t understand that, when players do that [take coaches on for a short trial]. What is a three-day trial going to do? Players would always do that, like let’s do a trial.”
Despite speculating that Agassi and Rune might have interacted earlier, possibly during the run-up to Wimbledon, Sock remains puzzled by the timing and method of the trial. He added,
“But it’s just like flying to DC three days before the tournament and step on the court for the first time and see how the week goes, I don’t know.”
John Isner offers insight on Andre Agassi’s coaching role with Rune
While the specifics of Agassi’s role in Rune’s camp remain unclear following the trial, the player valued his time working with the former world number one. Sharing training footage on social media, Rune described their encounter as
“3 great days on court absorbing experience.”
Agassi’s reputation, with eight Grand Slam titles to his name, makes him a uniquely qualified mentor for any aspiring champion. Reflecting on this partnership, former American player John Isner suggested that Agassi’s involvement is likely more advisory than hands-on coaching. Isner commented,
“Something tells me when Agassi tells you something you are really going to absorb all of that information. So I think this is more of a mentoring role.”
He further speculated,
“I don’t think Agassi is going to be on the road, I don’t even know if he is still in DC but he’s certainly not going to be in Toronto, is my guess. Maybe it’s just a mentoring role from afar for the most part.”
Rune and other players drawing on veterans to refine their games
Although the connection with Agassi may be temporary, the experience should boost Rune’s confidence as he prepares for the US Open and other major tournaments. This approach of seeking guidance from former greats is not unique to Rune; Alexander Zverev also turned to veteran coach Toni Nadal after his own surprising first-round defeat at Wimbledon. The German player benefited from the insights of Rafael Nadal’s uncle and long-time coach, who is renowned for his expertise in developing elite talent.
As the tennis season progresses, these mentorships could play a crucial role in helping promising players like Holger Rune and Alexander Zverev adjust and improve their performances at the highest levels of competition.