Holger Rune has described his recent training sessions with tennis legend Andre Agassi as "a great experience" while also announcing the addition of Marco Panichi to his team as fitness trainer. The Danish tennis player, who suffered a disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon against Nicholas Jarry after leading by two sets, is making significant changes to his support structure.
"I learned a lot about how he sees the game, and how he sees my tennis, and we tried to figure out how to make my tennis easier," Rune told Ziggo Sport about his time with the eight-time Grand Slam champion.
The 21-year-old was spotted practicing alongside Agassi at the Citi DC Open, sparking immediate speculation about a potential coaching partnership. Though no formal arrangement has been confirmed, Agassi's comment on Rune's video - "The future is bright" - suggests a positive connection between the two.
Rune particularly valued Agassi's insights on return games. "He gives very good advice on how to return, he was an incredible returner, as I am too, so we can share information," he explained. The former world No. 4 also mentioned some tactical adjustments Agassi suggested. "What he tried to explain to me is that he wanted my tennis to be a bit slower and he thinks I can do things much easier with my power."
Interestingly, Rune had to withdraw from the DC Open when his back "locked up" during his final practice session. Bad timing, right?
On the fitness front, Rune has secured the services of Marco Panichi, who previously worked with Novak Djokovic for seven years and more recently spent nine months with Jannik Sinner. The Italian brings significant experience working with elite players.
"I tried a few days with Marco down in Monaco and for me it was very, very challenging fitness training with him. It was not only about getting stronger, lifting weights, because that's not what tennis is about," Rune shared.
The Danish player has been frank about his physical limitations, especially after his French Open defeat to Lorenzo Musetti where fatigue seemed to play a factor. "I'll never see what my potential is if I don't get my physical form up to 100 percent," he admitted.
Rune is scheduled to return to competition at the Canadian Masters, where he'll face big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his opening match. Will these changes to his team finally help him overcome the physical barriers that have limited his potential at major tournaments?
