Novak Djokovic shares what he’s always loved about Holger Rune ahead of Wimbledon battle

Bring on the fireworks, declares Novak Djokovic.

The 24-time major winner expects an abundance of passion in his upcoming fourth-round Wimbledon meeting with Holger Rune, a player whose style of play resonates closely with Djokovic.

Both competitors advanced to the second week of the grass-court major Saturday. In an encounter that was moved indoors to No.1 Court from Court 18, Rune erased a two-set deficit to edge qualifier Quentin Halys, 1-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-1.

“I told myself it has to be the first time today I come back two sets to love and win the match, and I managed to do it. I'm extremely proud,” Rune told reporters.

Not long after, Djokovic finished off Alexei Popyrin, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3), on Centre Court.

In press, the No. 2 seed was asked for his insight on Rune. Djokovic paid the Dane his fair share of compliments, highlighting his work ethic as a quality that stands out.

“He's been a very dedicated guy. Once he sees something is off, he's going to go out on the practice court and he's going to work on it,” said Djokovic. “That's what I always loved about him.”

Djokovic leads the pair’s series 3-2, though this marks their first battle on grass. Their lone prior clash on the Grand Slam stage came at the 2021 US Open, when an emerging Rune took the opening set of their first-round contest before falling in four.

Once he sees something is off, he's going to go out on the practice court and he's going to work on it. That's what I always loved about him. —Novak Djokovic on Holger Rune

The two have built a strong rapport in the time that’s passed since then, with their teams sharing a beautiful respect. Believes Djokovic about his opponent’s trajectory, “He looks to me as a player that is ready for big things.”

As for Rune, the No. 15 seed has kept tabs on Djokovic’s progress in the Serbian's return from surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The 22-year-old, who practiced with the seven-time champion earlier in the tournament, channeled the humorous side of Djokovic during one of his answers to media.

“Definitely going to request Court 18 again next match,” laughed Rune. “I'm joking.”

“He seems like he's playing very well, feeling confident. Definitely have to play on my best level to have a chance to win, so that's what I'm going to try to do.”