Welcome to Holger Rune's blog. The 19-year-old is a former junior world No. 1, who was crowned Roland Garros boys' champion in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, he received ITF International Junior Player Grants to help with competition-related costs, reflecting the level of his potential. He is making huge strides within the game and in June reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros. Holger writes regular pieces for the ITF, providing insight into his tennis journey.

What does it take to become a tennis player? How do you get to be among the best in the world? How hard is the transition from juniors to professional?

These are questions I am often asked, and the answer is there is no manuscript with a step-by-step guide that will secure you a spot at the top of the rankings.

We are all different in terms of physics and mentality and, along with technical skills, these are elements that must be developed.

Luckily, we humans are not alike: we look different, act differently and have different DNA which makes it very difficult to take the same road as someone else. We are all unique and I love that.

This is a challenge for coaches because they have to look at each individual and see how to get the best out of a little kid coming to the local club with big dreams of becoming the best in the world.

I have had the same coach, Lars Christensen, since I started at my local club aged six. Back then, I played twice a week along with 20 other kids on the same court with tons of mini tennis nets across the court.

These two sessions were supplemented by me dragging my sister, Alma, on court at every opportunity to play more tennis. She is the best. She never refused and we are both super-competitive, so we had some crazy hours on court together.

I grew with Lars into what I have become today. He had no international experience, so we approached it very humbly and with excitement to learn all the time.

When I was 12 or 13, I joined the Mouratoglou Academy and this was tennis heaven for both of us, with many great players and coaches to spar with.

Very excited to include @pmouratoglou in my fantastic team for the rest of 2022 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/PYgG8c4FWg

— Holger Rune (@holgerrune2003) October 12, 2022

Sparring has been so important, not only for me but also my coach. How do we get better if we don’t listen to others and question our own ideas and thoughts? To be open-minded is important, not only in tennis but life generally.

A few weeks ago, the opportunity arose for Patrick to join my team on a full-time basis and even though this is just until the end of the year, it will be valuable learning for both me and my coach.

I have seen how he works with his athletes, and I have been out on court with Patrick many times for practice when training at the academy. I like his approach and his knowledge is indisputable, and the whole team has a super energy.

I am very critical of coaches because I need to feel they want it as much as I do. It’s not just a job – it’s everything, and Patrick has the personality and quality to be 100 per cent in the moment.

We will be travelling to tournaments with Patrick for the first time and already we are having fun on and off court. We also have Mike James, a performance analyst from the academy, so together with Lars and my mother, Aneke, there are five of us.

The challenging atmosphere of being around the absolute best in the field and the most dedicated people in the business is simply next level.

This vibe is so intense in the coolest way possible, and I am really looking forward to finishing the year strongly in this great environment!