Holger Rune arrived at the 2025 National Bank Open with momentum and plenty of attention on his evolving team. Following his first-round win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Rune faced questions not just about his performance on court, but about his brief collaboration with tennis legend Andre Agassi.
Rune’s openness about this partnership, which began after the French Open, has sparked conversations throughout the tennis world. It raises new expectations for his ongoing quest to reach the top of the ATP rankings.
Holger Rune Gives Insights About His Partnership with Andre Agassi
When asked about his recent work with Agassi, Rune was candid yet concise. The reporter noted Agassi’s unique vision, asking:
“We all know how unique his vision and his approach to the game is. Could you please tell us more about that collaboration, and whether it was just a short trial or you are planning a long-time partnership with him?”
Rune explained that after the French Open, he reached out to Agassi and they immediately bonded over a phone call. He said, “We talked, we had a phone call together, and we were talking about doing some days together. I was really excited to see his view on my game, and see how he saw it, and see how he can help a little bit and make things better.”
The connection was instant. Rune confirmed they spent three days training, both on and off court. “Yeah, we did those three days. Obviously, three days is not going to change massively something, but it was nice, it was really nice to see his view on my game. We talked a lot, we had some good sessions on the court as well,” he said.
However, Rune made it clear this wasn’t about adding another full-time coach to his team. “He’s not like going to be with me at the tournaments, so he’s not like the coach for me, but definitely we keep in touch. Yeah, he’s a very, very nice guy, and I really respect how he sees tennis; it’s very incredible. Also, obviously, his career was insane.”
The Short Coaching Partnership Between Rune and Agassi
This three‐day mentorship marks Andre Agassi’s return to hands-on involvement after stepping away from pro coaching seven years ago. The trial at Washington’s Rock Creek Park Tennis Center came just after Rune’s grass-court season at Wimbledon and ahead of his hard-court campaign.
A pretty legendary guy was out on the practice court working with @holgerrune2003 on Friday in Washington, D.C.
Read on to find out more.https://t.co/Dj7bi1rkAf pic.twitter.com/GREsIKPMdy— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) July 19, 2025
At the time, Rune was ranked World No. 8 and seeking fresh insights following an early Grand Slam exit. His 2025 season shows both promise and frustration. He lifted the Barcelona Open trophy and reached the final at Indian Wells, though he fell short of the round of 16 in majors thus far.
The timing couldn’t have been more strategic. With his current coaching team consisting of Kenneth Carlsen as his main coach and Lars Christensen, his childhood mentor, who rejoined in October 2024, Rune wasn’t looking to overhaul his setup. Instead, Agassi’s brief role is strictly advisory, offering “very wise words” and technical pointers to help Rune refine his style.
