Holger Rune confirms that high gamers have been subjected to quite a few doping exams all year long because the Danish tennis star had to offer his pattern “around 20 times” solely within the first a part of 2024.
Over the previous couple of months, one of many essential storylines has been the doping in tennis. When it was revealed in August that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner examined optimistic for a banned substance, the tennis neighborhood was left shocked however the majority accepted the Italian’s rationalization. Nevertheless, there have been and nonetheless are some who do not imagine it and make numerous claims in regards to the dealing with of the case.
Simply because it began to seem like the eye on that matter was decreasing, the ITIA introduced final Thursday that Iga Swiatek additionally failed a doping take a look at and accepted a one-month ban. Nevertheless, simply as within the Sinner case, it was accepted that the Pole did not deliberately or knowingly dope however it occurred after taking a contaminated melatonin remedy.Â
At this week’s UTS occasion in London, Rune was requested in regards to the doping challenge in tennis.
“We had lots of doping management this 12 months. Earlier than the Olympics this 12 months, I had round 20 (take a look at) and that could be a lot, however they’re doing every part to maintain the game clear, which could be very, crucial. I take lots of care in regards to the dietary supplements I take like each participant, however it may be unlucky or it may be one thing else (for those who take a look at optimistic),” the 2022 Paris Masters champion said.Â
Rune also underlined that he is as cautious as can be when it comes to taking supplements but also added that an unfortunate situation could always happen.Â
“Personally, I always take care of what I eat and drink. If I leave a drink anywhere, I never pick it up again. You have to protect yourself where you can to make sure I can do what I can to do what I love and that’s play tennis every day. I do blood tests maybe once a year to see what my body needs more of, but that’s too personal to talk about. It’s things like vitamin C when you get sick and you need more of that,” the 21-year-old added.
Holger Rune© UTS Tour/Instagram – Truthful Use
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Rune shares his tackle the Novak Djokovic – Andy Murray partnership
Because the present world No. 13 is in London, there was no means he would keep away from getting requested in regards to the collaboration that lately despatched the tennis world right into a frenzy. Answering the query, the Danish tennis star admitted he did not count on that Murray can be Djokovic’s subsequent coach however thinks it might grow to be a very good partnership.
“It’s an fascinating setup for certain. I don’t suppose many people noticed it coming. I believe it may be doubtlessly good for each of them. Novak didn’t have a coach earlier than so it was pure for him to discover a coach, however I didn’t count on somebody like Andy,” Rune admitted.Â
When the initial excitement passed and people started to look at the Djokovic and Murray more realistically, one of the first assessments many had was that the Briton could help the Serb in the tactical department. And the former world No. 4 fully agrees with that.
“Andy is obviously super intelligent player, and also a guy that has been beating him sometimes. I was thinking like ‘Why exactly were they paired together?’ and I think it’s because they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players. They both have a very high IQ in tennis. I think it’s going to be very interesting,” Rune defined.
Whereas Djokovic will most likely love what Murray brings tactically-wise, there was one other large cause why he wished the previous two-time Wimbledon champion. When looking for a coach, the 37-year-old wished somebody who was in his place.
“I wanted to take my time to find out whether I needed a new coach or not. The decision was yes, but it had to be a tennis legend. Since I was very young, I have played against him… and there are not many people who have won multiple Grand Slam titles. Andy has known me since I was very young, from the age of 12 or 13. He knows my game and everything that I have been through very well. He knows the things that are wrong with my game, all of my mistakes,” Djokovic mentioned.
This week, it was introduced that the file 24-time Grand Slam champion signed as much as play on the Brisbane Worldwide within the first week of 2025.
Sadly for some followers, British media indicated that Murray wouldn’t be becoming a member of Djokovic in Brisbane.
