The 18-year-old also mentioned that the Spaniard had been his first tennis idol when asked about who his idol was.
Rune described Novak Djokovic as a complete athlete, stating that it was inspiring to have played against the Serb.
The two met in the first round of the US Open last year, where Rune managed to win a set but eventually went down 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-1 against the Serb.
A bout of cramps Rune suffered after winning the second set led to a capitulation against an opponent he spoke highly of.
“I think I did well, I was prepared from the first point, played, took my chances” - Holger Rune on beating Cristian Garin
Rune caused an upset at the Serbia Open when he defeated fifth-seeded Cristian Garin of Chile 6-3, 6-1 in the first round and will now take on Taro Daniel of Japan in the second.
The Danish player, who has had an impressive run recently, winning the Sanremo Challenger in Italy, said he was pleased to come through against Garin, who is a claycourt specialist.
Holger Rune, who won the French Open boys’ singles title in 2019 is now ranked World No. 72.
The Danish player made his ATP debut at the Argentina Open last year before winning his first Challenger title in Biella.
Holger Rune also became the second-youngest player after Carlos Alcaraz to make it to the top 100 in January 2022.
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