Holger Rune is aiming for his second ATP Masters 1000 crown and first title of 2024 this fortnight at the BNP Paribas Open. This season is the 20-year-old’s fourth on the ATP Tour, with the Dane now a consistent presence in the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings.
From his favourite holiday destination to travel tips, ATPTour.com caught up with Rune to discuss his life on Tour.
What are two essential non-tennis items you always pack for trips?
I would say my headphones and my phone. It's the two most basic things. The headphones before the match, I like to wear them to get in the mood. The phone is obviously important to coordinate things.
Have you ever forgotten either the phone or headphones?
I once forgot my headphones, which annoyed me a lot. I had to go and buy some new ones, but never the phone. I think that would be a big rookie mistake.
Do you enjoy travelling the world or consider it just something that needs to be done to be a pro tennis player?
I do enjoy it. I think it's nice. It's not the nicest thing about our life to sit on the airplane. But it's a part of it and you're excited to get to that place. I kill the time with some good banter with the team or playing cards.
What is your favourite tournament city to visit and why?
I have to say my favourite tournament and city is Monaco. I live there, so it really feels like home. Acapulco I think is a very, very nice tournament. Amazing crowd there. Big tennis lovers. I think it's just a great place to play tennis and enjoy.
Where is your favourite vacation destination?
I went to Dubai the last couple of years to relax. I think it's a great place to enjoy and also there's the city so you can still have a little bit of life. But also there's the calm part with just the beach and water to be peaceful. I personally would probably think it's a little bit boring to go to Maldives. It's just the same every day. It's also important to switch completely off when you have holidays.
How do you try to overcome jetlag and acclimate to the local time zone?
For the jetlag I think for me it helps a lot to try to sleep on the flight. From the end of last year I managed to do that. I wasn't good at it in the beginning. It is also really important just to force yourself to stay awake until it's 9 or 10 pm. Because then you get more into the normal rhythm. You wake up in a normal time.
As a tennis player, maintaining your body is of the utmost importance, so how do you take care of it during long trips?
When I land, I try to get moving a little bit. I try to run for 10 to 15 minutes or go on the bike. I do some stretching. I drink a lot of water. I think it's important to eat healthy. Then you should feel good after a couple of days.
Are there any routines or activities you do to create a sense of ‘home on the road’ to feel more comfortable?
Most of the time I have one, maybe more family members traveling with me and a great team. So it feels like home. Trying to bring the home away and build a good support network. Then it feels great. I never get homesick, to be honest. I like to be away. I think it's fun. It's different. it excites me. I would get pretty crazy staying at the same place for more than two weeks. That's how I am and I think I chose the right lifestyle.
Are you someone who gets to the airport with lots of time to spare or do you cut it fine?
I try to get there last minute. My mum tries to get there three hours before. We talk about that before we go. But when I fly alone, I come with an hour to check in and then onto the flight.
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