Holger Rune had to have his right knee treated during the game and didn’t run smoothly.
“I’m sorry for Holger, but that’s sport,” said Becker live on Eurosport: “He improved over the course of the match and really tried everything. The line between victory and defeat is sometimes very narrow. But today he lost to the better player.”
With the world ranking 122nd. Cazaux had significant problems with Rune for two sets. After that it was an open exchange of blows – with the better end for the 21-year-old man from Montpellier.
“He will be somewhere completely different in the world rankings in twelve months,” predicted Becker.
Lüthi looks after Rune in Australia
Before the tournament, Rune had confidently stated that he wanted to win his first Grand Slam title this year. “I feel like I’m ready,” he said. “If I didn’t think I was ready for it, then it certainly wouldn’t happen.”
The ball is still in play – but Rune is already running through to the bench
In Becker’s absence, Rune in Australia was primarily looked after by Severin Lüthi, who once trained Roger Federer.
In the run-up to the tournament, Becker described it as a “real team effort to look after a world-class player like Holger.” He himself communicates with Rune every day, who values the experience of the six-time Grand Slam winner.
Cheeky! Frustrated Rune throws the referee’s microphone down
In Melbourne, to Rune’s great disappointment, it wasn’t enough for a top result.
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