'I think Jannik Sinner did the same in Italy': Holger Rune immortalised in Danish Donald Duck comic, gives Andre Agassi update

Holger Rune moved into the next round of the 2025 Cincinnati Open without dropping a set, after Frances Tiafoe retired from their match. It was a bittersweet win for the Dane, who had been seeking revenge after losing to Tiafoe in last year’s semi-finals.

Tiafoe took some painkillers but didn't let them settle in much to the behest of his team as he retired a short time later in what Rune called a shame as he moves on.

“Yeah, it still feels good,” Rune said to Tennis Channel. “But as you say, it’s an unfortunate way to finish the match. I saw he was hurt, so that’s never nice. Looking at the first set, I think it was high level from both of us when we were both fresh. I think I played some good tennis and had a lot of energy coming into this match. Frances is a great player — especially here in America, he thrives very well and plays well — so I had to be ready, and I was. But yeah, sad ending for sure.”

Tiafoe started the match strongly, taking a 3–0 lead and threatening another break. “Not the ideal start for me,” Rune admitted. “But I stayed in there. I tried to focus on some of the small details that I’m working on in my game instead of the bigger picture, like the score. I focused just on the details — on the serve, on the shots — and just tried to find my groove. From there, I took my time, tried to get into the match, and accepted, okay, maybe it’s going to take a little bit of time. But I just kept fighting.”

The now-regular “dog meter” check saw Rune score himself highly despite the slow start. “Very high as well, I would give it a nine again,” he said. “If you ask me in the first three games, I’d give a very low score, but after that I went up. The most important thing is I managed to bounce back and I did well. Especially in the fourth game, I was very happy about how I went for the break point and everything, so it’s good to be through.”

Rune has made a habit of recovering from early deficits in Cincinnati. “That’s what I’ve been talking about with my team,” he said. “Every day after the match I’m like, ‘Yeah guys, I don’t know what happened, but I found the intensity after 3–1.’ I think it was 3–1 in the first match, 3–1 in the second match, and 3–1 today. I’ll try not to repeat it, but again, if I have to repeat it to win the match, I’m happy to do it. But yeah, I’m definitely going to try to put a little bit more intensity and a little bit more focus on the first service games of mine.”

Suggestions of an extra caffeine boost drew a smile from Rune. “Yeah, you know, I have my caffeine drinks. I don’t drink coffee, but I have my caffeine electrolytes, so I take them. I like to play early, but usually I’m not an early bird, so maybe that’s a factor. But I know that tomorrow I won’t play early, so maybe that will help. It’s been hot out there for sure.”

Agassi’s Guidance

Rune also updated on his work with Andre Agassi after being spotted previously in Toronto and whether it could lead to something. “As I said, we spoke after Toronto about a few things in my game — about how much more I have to raise my level. That’s a crazy point, sorry,” he laughed mid-thought. “But yeah, no, we spoke on small things about the pace on my shots, the pace on my serve, my placement, and how I mix up the game. We haven’t talked so much during the tournament — it’s more just being in the flow, asking a few questions here and there. He texted me again after my match today, so that was nice. He’s following, so that’s really cool, and we have a good connection.”