Welcome to the latest instalment of Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune’s blog. The 17-year-old won his maiden Junior Grand Slam title in 2019 and is focusing solely on professional tournaments from now on. Holger is writing regular pieces for the ITF and providing insight into his tennis journey. Follow his progress here.

At the end of April everything started to open up again in Denmark and we were allowed to play outdoor tennis in our clubs. At that time I was already playing because I had been going crazy without tennis, so I did a post on Instagram asking if anyone had a private court that I could use.

It wasn’t illegal to play tennis at the time in Denmark; we were just not allowed to open the clubs and academies in our country. Also, we didn’t have a lockdown in that we were still allowed to go outdoors.

When I wrote the post I was not in a good mood. I really wanted to play tennis. I missed it badly. So it was kind of a desperate move. I wasn’t sure if anyone would respond because in Denmark people are very private and reserved and we don’t really let strangers into our homes.

I was so surprised when I saw all the messages coming in on my Instagram feed. The Danish people were amazing! From all over Denmark people were writing to me saying that I could come anytime and practise on their courts. They had grass courts, hard courts and clay courts. It really touched me. This was just what I needed to feel at that time.

Everything had been so cold and then suddenly this huge wave of love coming from people I didn’t know. This was amazing and I turned from being grumpy to being very happy and, all of a sudden, I saw possibilities everywhere instead of limitations.

This made me think how much love means. Thinking about other people is so important. Helping other people if we can. Maybe we don’t think that we are making a big difference when we offer to help someone, but we do. So just go out there and help as much as you can. What maybe seems like a small thing for you to do can make another person smile for the rest of the day or for weeks.

On the road again

I still miss travelling. I miss experiencing different cultures and meeting people from all over the world. I was talking to a Swedish player the other day and we both felt a huge loss in not being able to travel. We both realised how much we take for granted and I am sure that I am not the only one that will appreciate the small pleasures a lot more when we get back to normal.

And what will normal be like? In Scandinavia we don’t wear masks. Only the sick people wear masks or the ones working with the old and the vulnerable. I read that in many countries you have to wear masks in public. This will, for sure, feel a little odd for us but travelling is always about adapting to other cultures and rules so I have no problem with that.

I look forward to the reopening of the borders because even though we are born in one country many of us are still also born as Europeans. I think for our generation it feels extra weird with the closed borders. I am Danish but I am as much a European and a citizen of the world as I am Danish. So I definitely miss the freedom of travelling to tournaments.

Staying in shape

Before Coronavirus I did a lot of physical practice (maybe too much… I actually got a little too heavy!) so it’s ok for me to ease down a little and not go to the gym (they are closed anyway) and focus on my speed.

I tend to eat too much when I am at home because I am used to more action in my schedule than I have now. So I have to control this part – especially when it comes to ice cream. We have the best ice cream store located at the harbour close to where I live. I have to walk the other way round, so I don’t get too tempted! But I have plenty of time to get in shape so one ice cream once in a while is ok!

Tournament time

I think all players miss matches like crazy. Practicing without a goal is difficult so I try to stick to a good schedule with my coach and my mental coach with small goals every week. Still, it’s nice to see improvements working in matches. There will be some local tournaments to play here in Denmark, which is good, but when you come from a small country like Denmark being able to play international matches is so important.

I am not able to measure my development without the international matches. This is how I have worked since under 12s. Practicing at home and at Mouratoglou and then testing my developments playing Tennis Europe and ITF tournaments.

So I really pray for a solution soon so we can play ITF and ATP events again. I am actually optimistic about it. I have huge confidence in the countries wanting to reopen their borders and I am sure that people will act responsibly outside their countries. I also have confidence that the ITF and ATP will find a way to get matches started in some way.

I am hoping we will be up and running in August and I believe my absolute favourite tournament, Roland Garros, will be played as planned September 20. Hopefully I will play there this year in the seniors.