Novak Djokovic follows rising ATP star Holger Rune on Instagram as the tennis prodigy recalls surreal moment and thanks the Serbian legend.
Novak Djokovic continues to be a powerhouse, not just on the court, but off the court too, engaging millions through his active social media presence. With a staggering 34.8 million followers, the Serbian legend is one of the most followed tennis players worldwide. Through his Instagram stories, in particular, Djokovic often showers praises over fellow athletes for their achievements. Now imagine scrolling through social media and seeing that Djokovic himself has followed you. That would be surreal, right? Well, 21-year-old ATP rising star Holger Rune lived that moment and recently shared a candid confession about it.
Despite his young age, Holger Rune has already cemented his place as the most successful male player to emerge from Denmark. Fans will never forget the 2022 Paris Masters final, where a fearless 19-year-old Rune stunned Djokovic to win his first-ever Masters 1000 title. The victory announced him on the big stage, proving that he had what it takes to compete with the best.
Djokovic, 16 years senior to Rune, has always been aware of the Danish star’s immense potential. The Serb has spoken highly of Rune’s abilities, acknowledging the young gun’s aggressive playing style and mental toughness. In a recent interview to PressReader, Rune was asked, “Who was the first famous person to follow you on Instagram?” His response was heartfelt and appreciative. “It was Djokovic. We trained when I was very young, and I think he was already following me since then. Very kind of him. Thanks, Novak.”
This isn’t surprising given Djokovic’s history of supporting emerging talents in the sport. He has publicly praised Rune several times, and even drawn similarities between himself and the Danish prodigy.
Ahead of their Wimbledon clash last year, Djokovic openly acknowledged his camaraderie with Rune. “I actually get along very well with him. He’s a very nice guy. Always has been to me and to my team, and vice versa. I always try to be available to him for any practice or advice or guidance or anything like that,” the Serb said.
Rune’s story is yet another example of how Novak Djokovic’s influence extends beyond just winning titles. The Serbian superstar remains a guiding figure for younger players, offering them encouragement and mentorship.
While Rune continues to rise through the ranks, he has faced his share of recent setbacks as well. His latest outing at the Davis Cup saw him suffer a defeat to Hamad Medjedovic losing 2-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Medjedovic Defeats Holger Rune in Davis Cup Action
In a heavy hitting clash, the 21-year-old Hamad Medjedovic displayed a remarkable consistency from the baseline, holding his nerve in crucial moments to defeat Holger Rune in the first round of Davis Cup qualifiers. Medjedovic fended off seven of the nine break points he faced, showcasing his resilience under pressure. Coming off a strong 2023 season, where he won the Next Gen ATP Finals, Medjedovic carried that momentum into the new year by securing an ATP Challenger Tour title in Oeiras, Portugal. It also got him into the top 100 in the ATP Rankings. This victory against Rune was his second Davis Cup win in as many appearances.
The match saw a major momentum shift in the second set, as Medjedovic relentlessly pressured Rune’s forehand with deep, consistent returns. Rune, who started strong in the first set and looked like dominating, gradually lost his rhythm and control. His game unraveled, with errors creeping in and his shots frequently missing the lines. This inconsistency has been a recurring theme in Rune’s career—flashes of brilliance in the first set, only to struggle in subsequent ones.
By the third set, Rune’s performance had dropped to a level far below his capabilities, allowing Medjedovic to take full control and close out the match.
Rune’s recent struggles raise concerns. Despite his immense talent, his game has shown little improvement over the last year or so, leaving fans and analysts questioning his ability to maintain a steady upward climb. With rising stars like Medjedovic making rapid progress, Rune faces a critical period where he must address his inconsistencies if he hopes to remain a top contender on the ATP Tour. What do you think?
