Denmark’s Holger Rune says the possibility of playing mixed doubles with Caroline Wozniacki at next year’s Olympic games would be ‘the perfect mix’ for him.
The world No.6 has hailed the return of his compatriot at this week’s Canadian Open. Wozniacki announced in June that she is making a comeback to competitive tennis after a three-year absence. The mother of two is a former world No.1 who won 30 WTA titles so far in her career, including the 2018 Australian Open.
Rune practised with Wonniacki a few days ago in Monaco where the two are both based. The 19-year-old was impressed by the level of tennis produced by his compatriot.
“It was super-exciting,” Rune told reporters on media day at the Canadian Open.
“She was hitting the ball well and hardly missing at all.
“I was surprised that she was playing that well. She is really determined — when she goes for something I’m sure she will do it well.”
Even though Wozniacki is yet to officially start her comeback, Rune is already hoping that the two might be able to team up and play in next year’s Olympics which will be held at Roland Garros. Denmark has only won one Olympic medal in the sport which was over a century ago in 1908 when Sofie Castenschiold won silver in the women’s indoor singles. Castenschiold was also the first female athlete to represent her country in the Games.
“It would be really cool, I really like her as a person and a player,” he said. “It would be the perfect mix for me at the Olympics. I hope we can make it happen.”
Of course, a lot can change between now and Paris 2024. A confident Wozniacki recently stated that she can beat anybody on the Tour if she is playing at her best and is aiming to peak in time for the US Open which she has been given a wildcard to play in.
On the other hand, Rune points out that returning to the sport following an extended break is not an easy task for any player.
“It’s difficult to come back and play matches after a long time away,” he said.
“There are a lot of nerves involved. But once she gets that sorted out, I think she’s going to be dangerous.”
At the Canadian Open Rune is the third seed in the men’s tournament which will be held in Toronto. Given a bye in the first round, he will play either Marcos Giron or Emil Ruusuvuori in his opening match.
Meanwhile, Wozniacki will play qualifier Kimberly Birrell in the women’s event which is taking place in Montreal.
