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After winning three tournaments in 2022, including the Paris Masters to finish the season, expectations were high for Holger Rune in 2023. Perhaps unfairly so, for a player starting the year still in his teens. Yet, even with a few bumps along the way, he reconfirmed the belief that his future as a fixture at the top of the game is a pretty safe bet.

Rune’s season was a tale of two halves. The 20-year-old started building momentum early and really kicked it into gear on the clay, where he’s establishing himself as a top contender. In Monte Carlo he beat Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner before losing a heartbreaker in the finals—he was up 4-1 in the third set—to Andrey Rublev. From there he defended his title in Munich, saving four championship points against Botic van de Zandschulp. That was followed with back-to-back wins over soon-to-be Roland Garros finalists Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud in Rome, losing that final to Medvedev. Rune closed his clay season by making the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, then showed prowess on the grass by making the same round at Wimbledon.

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An alternate last year, this will be Rune’s first appearance at the ATP Finals.

Not long after, he hit a career-high No. 4 in the rankings. The summer was shaping up to be a fruitful one for the Dane. However, a pinched nerve in his back threw his progress for a loop. Rune won just one match over his next eight, including three straight first-round losses during the U.S. hard-court swing.

In an effort to bust out of the slump, Rune hired Boris Becker to be his coach in October. The move seemed to pay immediate dividends with Rune reaching the semifinals in Basel. He backed that up with a quarterfinal showing in defense of his Paris Masters title, pushing Djokovic in three tight sets.

An alternate last year, this will be Rune’s first appearance at the ATP Finals. Along with Carlos Alcaraz, it’s the first time since 2000 (Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin) that two players aged 20-and-under will be in the draw.

It’s a safe bet it won’t be Rune’s last.

Babolat Pure Aero 12 Pack Bag

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Grab Rune’s Gear

Babolat Pure Aero 12 Pack Bag ($145) (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)

With three main compartments—two with Isothermal Protection from extreme temperatures—each capable of holding up to five frames and plenty of gear this bag can accommodate all storage needs. A large accessory pocket with internal organization and a smaller molded one, offer space for additional items. A separate tunnel can keep shoes or dirty clothes separate, as can the included removable storage sack. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps as well as grab handles on the top and end of the bag allow for numerous carry options. It’s a perfect complement for Aero users like Rune, but would still suit the needs of any discerning player.

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