Holger Rune reached out to Andre Agassi several months ago, seeking more than just a traditional coach—he wanted a candid mentor unconcerned with job dependency. This request led to a three-day trial period in Washington D.C., sparking interest among tennis fans who wonder if this unconventional pairing might unlock Rune’s full potential. Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick has expressed strong support for Agassi’s potential role in mentoring Rune, especially ahead of the upcoming US Open.
Roddick highlights what makes Agassi’s involvement distinctive: his financial independence removes typical pressures coaches might face.
“The number one reason why I like this is because Andre doesn’t need the job,”
Roddick said on his podcast, Served. He contrasted Agassi’s position with that of others, noting,
“And every other person who has kissed Holger’s ass and asked him for a job has needed that job, right?”
This freedom, Roddick believes, means Agassi can deliver brutally honest feedback crucial at this stage of Rune’s career.
According to Roddick, Agassi’s lack of financial reliance grants him the ability to provide honest advice that may challenge Rune, but serves his long-term development.
“I think you’re going to get honest feedback at an inflection point in someone’s career who obviously has the talent, but maybe lacks the consistency that he might want,”
Roddick explained. He also emphasized that this collaboration likely began as a short-term project rather than a lengthy contract:
“I’m sure they didn’t sign a two-year deal. I’m sure it’s like, ‘Hey, let’s get some input. Let’s see if we can’t course-correct. Let’s see if you can’t tap into my experiences, the things I did right and the things I did wrong, which are sometimes more important, and Holger is going to listen to Andre Agassi.”
Roddick ended with,
“Number one thing, Andre doesn’t need this job; so I think what he says will maybe land with Holger Rune a little bit more.”
Agassi’s credibility is further enhanced by his extensive coaching portfolio, having worked with Novak Djokovic between 2017 and 2018, and later joining Grigor Dimitrov’s team until 2020.
Holger Rune’s Perspective on Collaborating with Andre Agassi
Rumors about the emerging partnership started when Agassi was seen training with Rune in Washington D.C., just before the Mubadala Citi Open. Rune shared the story of how their connection developed during an interview with Tennis.com’s David Kane.
“I reached out to him some months ago,”
Rune revealed.
“He’s an amazing man, first of all, and he’s very wise, as well; he sees the game in a unique way that I’ve never experienced before.”
For Rune, the timing felt right to engage a mentor of Agassi’s caliber.
“I think it is an ideal moment to start working with him because I am feeling good with my tennis, I have returned to my base,”
he said. At 22, Rune has experienced frequent coaching changes, which have contributed to uneven results on court throughout his career. His campaign in 2025 has been defined by dramatic ups and downs, testing his ability to maintain consistent performance.
This season, Rune reached the fourth round of both the Australian Open and French Open, demonstrating his capacity to compete on tennis’s biggest stages. However, his momentum has been disrupted by health setbacks, including withdrawing from Rotterdam due to illness and an early exit in Acapulco caused by food poisoning. Despite these challenges, he made a strong run to the final at Indian Wells before losing to Jack Draper, only to falter again with an early loss in Miami.
Rune’s clay court season followed a similar pattern. After retiring in Monte Carlo while trailing Nuno Borges, he bounced back spectacularly by winning the tournament in Barcelona, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Yet the grass court season brought renewed frustration when Nicolas Jarry knocked Rune out in the first round at Wimbledon.
The Potential Impact of Agassi’s Mentorship on Rune’s Future
Given this cycle of highs and lows, Rune is placing his hopes on Agassi’s guidance to foster greater stability and consistency. With the US Open upcoming and his career at a pivotal crossroads, the young Dane is betting that a legendary player’s insight could help him finally harness his full potential. Agassi’s reputation, combined with his financial freedom, suggests he can offer Rune uniquely honest advice and experience.
If this experiment in Washington D.C. leads to a longer collaboration, it could mark a significant turning point for Rune’s progress. The tennis world will be watching closely to see whether Agassi’s input helps the rising star overcome past inconsistencies and make a stronger, more sustained impact at the top levels of the sport.