Ahead of the tournament, Rune trained with Andre Agassi, learning from the eight-time Grand Slam champion.

However, he was unable to show off what he had learned, as Rune withdrew from the Washington Open due to a back issue.

Returning to action in Toronto, Rune emerged victorious in his opening match, defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets 7-6, 6-3.

After the match, Rune was asked how far ahead he believes Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are from the rest of the ATP Tour.

Holger Rune believes he can ‘challenge’ Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

During his post-match press conference, Rune was asked the following question.

“After the final at Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz said that when him and Jannik Sinner play each other, they play at a level that he doesn’t think anyone else is capable of playing at that level. You’re pretty close to them, 2-2 with Alcaraz, including a win in Barcelona, just down by 3-2 against Sinner in the head-to-head. So my question is, like, right now, do you see that much difference between Alcaraz and Sinner and the rest of the other players?”

Holger Rune’s post-match press conference

Providing an interesting response, Rune reflected on what makes the world number one and two so great.

“Yeah, I think you forgot something, you know? But yeah, no, no. I think about consistently playing at that level, there is a difference, yes,” he said.

“The question about if few, very, very few players can reach their level and have the chance to beat them? I believe so. Which we’ve also seen in the past.

“I think, obviously, Carlos [Alcaraz] had that really good run of many, many matches. I think that they have managed to stay very consistent at that level.

• Jannik Sinner’s longest winning streak – 26 matches (2024/2025)
• Carlos Alcaraz’s longest winning streak – 24 matches (2025)
• Holger Rune’s longest winning streak – 9 matches (2022)

“That’s very difficult. That’s big dedication.”

The 22-year-old then suggested he’s trying to follow in the footsteps of Alcaraz and Sinner as he looks to challenge for Grand Slam titles of his own.

“That’s what I’m working on also, because I definitely believe that I have a good game that can, as I’ve shown in the past, also challenge them and take matches from them,” said Rune.

“I think it’s very interesting. It’s the guys that you want to compete with in the biggest finals.

“I feel like, for me, as more often I can do that, that’s also going to improve my level. Because there’s nothing like playing those matches that can make the same feeling.

“I think it’s all about getting through the first rounds, and getting to play the top-five, top-four players in the world.”

Rune is aware of the big difference between himself and Sinner/Alcaraz, as whilst he can beat the world number one and two on any given day, he doesn’t have the consistency they possess.

Suffering early exits in ATP tournaments is a major reason behind Rune’s failure to contest for big titles and the world number one ranking.

If Rune could cut out those first and second round defeats, then he could well find himself rising up the rankings before too long.

Holger Rune’s head-to-head record against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

The reporter mentioned Rune’s head-to-head success against Alcaraz and Sinner, but just how well has he performed against the world number one and two?

Rune won his first two matches against the Italian star but hasn’t beaten him since, losing each of their last three meetings.

He’s had more success against Alcaraz, however, winning their most recent clash in the final of the Barcelona Open.

Tying their head-to-head at 2-2, Rune picked up his first ATP title in two years with a big win in Spain.

Only time will tell if Rune can continue to enjoy success against Alcaraz and Sinner, but it will certainly be something to look out for.

Rune will first turn his attention to the third round of the Canadian Open, where he’ll play Alexandre Muller on Thursday, July 31.