Amid a challenging 2025 season, Danish tennis star Holger Rune has turned to former Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi for expert mentorship. Their collaboration began earlier this summer with a training session in Washington, D.C., ahead of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, marking a significant step as Rune works to elevate his game and overcome inconsistency.
While others like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have added major titles recently, Rune’s performance has been a mix of highs and lows, including six early-round exits this year. With the World No. 9 eager for a breakthrough, partnering with Agassi represents a strategic move to find new balance and strength on court, even as Rune keeps the precise advice from Agassi confidential.
Training Sessions with Agassi in Washington, D.C., Spark New Insights
The partnership took shape via text messages and calls before culminating in a three-day intensive session on a historic court where Agassi claimed five titles. Despite Rune withdrawing from the DC Open due to back pain, he absorbed the lessons from the legendary American’s guidance with enthusiasm. Upon recovery, Rune shared glimpses of their work while preserving the details.
He noted,
“What he tried to explain to me is that he wanted my tennis to be a bit slower and he thinks I can do things much easier with my power and quality in my shots, and believes I should do more things than I usually do,”
revealing only the broad strokes of Agassi’s strategy. He added,
“Essentially, it’s about finding balance, and that’s what we have been working on. He surprised me with some things he explained in training sessions and also about how to play tiebreaks. I won’t share the secrets he gave me, but I was amazed by his perspective on tennis and playing.”
—Holger Rune, Tennis Player
Relationship with Existing Coach Lars Christensen Remains Intact
Despite the involvement of Agassi, Rune’s longtime coach Lars Christensen continues to oversee his development. Agassi’s role is that of a mentor bringing a fresh viewpoint rather than replacing Christensen as head coach. This layered coaching approach illustrates Rune’s determination to deepen his tactical and mental approach to the sport while maintaining continuity in his training team.
Introducing Marco Panichi: A New Physical Trainer with Proven Experience
In addition to Agassi’s mentorship, Rune has expanded his support staff by recruiting Marco Panichi, a fitness expert known for working with tennis elites. Panichi previously served as Novak Djokovic’s fitness coach for several years and had a brief stint with Jannik Sinner before their split earlier this year. Rune began training with Panichi after Sinner’s departure and officially starts their collaboration at the upcoming Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament on August 7.
Sharing his first impressions, Rune said,
“At that moment, I didn’t have any physio, I tried with him for a couple of days in Monaco and it was a challenge for me with the exercises he made me do. He focuses a lot on coordination and biomechanics, and I think he challenges me in certain ways that I had never been challenged before. Additionally, with his experience working for so many years with Djokovic and his brief time with Sinner, I have seen that he can connect fitness with tennis and I believe he has a spectacular talent for it, and I am very excited to work with him.”
—Holger Rune, Tennis Player
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead for Rune in Toronto and Beyond
As the hard-court season progresses, Rune arrives in Toronto poised to capitalize on an open draw in the Masters 1000 event. Top competitors like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Draper have withdrawn, presenting Rune with a rare chance to advance deep into the tournament. His refreshed team and refined techniques will be put to the test as he aims to close the gap on his peers who have already attained multiple Grand Slam titles.
This season represents a critical juncture for Rune as he strives to turn potential into tangible success. Combining Agassi’s tactical insights and Panichi’s rigorous fitness program, Rune hopes these changes will boost his consistency and court dominance, potentially reshaping the landscape among tennis’s rising stars.
Holger Rune’s Evolving Support Network Reflects Growing Ambition
Rune’s recent moves signal his commitment to evolving both the physical and mental components of his game. By blending the wisdom of a legendary former champion with state-of-the-art fitness training, he is assembling a multifaceted team designed to challenge him at every level. This comprehensive approach underlines Rune’s optimistic outlook and passion as he seeks to emerge not just as a contender, but as a new force on the global tennis stage.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many balls did Andre Agassi hit a day?
A. Agassi practiced hitting around 2,500 balls every day, which added up to about a million shots each year. This constant practice improved his skills and helped him handle tough matches.
Q. How much could Andre Agassi bench press?
A. Reyes helped Agassi become a fit and strong athlete. At the start, Agassi could lift 135 pounds on the bench press. After fourteen years, in 2003, he was able to bench press 350 pounds.