Rune readies for Games on Hamburg clay

Holger Rune is back for more at the ATP Hamburg event, with the 2022 first-round loser determined to improve his form in Germany with the Paris Olympics fast approaching.

The No. 15 who lost in the Wimbledon fourth round to Novak Djokovic, rates the Olympic event starting a week from Friday near the top of the prestige tree.

“The Games mean a lot to me, almost as much as a Grand Slam. You don’t play for yourself, you fight for your country. Hamburg will certainly be a very good preparation,” he said.

The Dane will begin his German week in the first round at the Rothenbaum club against Hungarian  Fábián Marozsán, who beat him last March in Miami.

“I know from the last match how he plays and what I have to expect,” the second seed said,.

“I had a few problems myself. But that’s in the past. I am ready to play.”  

Rune will make do on the German clay, which he feels is not particularly similar to the Roland Garros games venue.

“Court conditions are not completely the same. But with good training and a good tournament in Hamburg, it will be ideal with a view to the Olympic Games.

 “You want to have as many opportunities to win medals as possible. But one is also fine.”