Holger Rune points out the one big difference between playing against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

The Dane tore his Achilles tendon at the event, but is finally close to an ATP comeback, which Alcaraz has just achieved at the US Open.

He has stormed into the quarterfinals of the Grand Slam following his wrist injury, although Sinner was forced to withdraw from the US Open with a knee injury.

Having met both players multiple times on the court, Rune has now pointed out one big difference in their playing styles.

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Holger Rune points out Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner difference

Speaking to former world number one Jim Courier for the ATP Tour on YouTube, Rune was asked if it feels like playing against a forehand on both wings because their backhands are so powerful.

He said of Alcaraz and Sinner: “Against Jannik, yes. Against Carlos, not the same, I think. But then he has different qualities that is making it more difficult.

“I feel like if we start with Carlos, playing him, you are very aware of his forehand and his drop shots, I think. And usually the game plan that we try to make is try to take his strength away from him.

“I feel like when you’re able to take the strength away from him and not give him those opportunities to hit, it’s another match.

“It’s a match where you feel like you have time, you can play within your own pace. Obviously, before my injury, I was very quick. I’m very quick on the legs.

“So he doesn’t hit many drop shots against me, which he does against many other players, if I have to give a big credit to myself.

“But definitely, the way he can put angles on his forehand and really make the opponent move a lot is incredible.

“And then if we say Jannik, he’s just a constant killer machine in a way. The way he strikes the ball on both wings is crazy.

“I was training next to him last week or two weeks ago in Monaco, and I was watching and it’s just so simple, everything.

“He pushed the ball, heavy shots, topspin, serve extremely accurate. It’s just everything’s great. He’s just better than everybody else at the moment at what he does.”

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Unlike the majority of the ATP Tour players, Rune has held his own against the two superstars throughout their careers so far.

He has an admirable 2-3 head-to-head record against the Italian, and an impressive 2-2 record against the Spaniard.

Holger Rune suggests how Novak Djokovic can challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz and Sinner are essentially untouchable when at their best, although one player has managed to pose some form of challenge in recent times.

Despite his age, 39-year-old Novak Djokovic often still represents a threat to their dominance, as proven at this year’s Australian Open.

The Serbian made it all the way to the final of the Grand Slam, beating Sinner in the semifinals before losing to Alcaraz.

Recalling that victory over the Italian, Rune said: “Yeah, I mean, before the match, I never doubt or I never don’t think Novak can win, because he always keeps surprising us.

“So I thought that he had a chance. And for me, Novak is so good. In a way, I’m always, when I’m watching TV, I’m like, he should play more aggressive more often.

“But at the same time, who am I to say something like this? The guy has 24 Grand Slam titles. So obviously whatever he’s doing is so successful.

“But I think the way he played there is the way that he can challenge Jannik and Carlos. I mean, very impressive because he’s so solid on the return, serve is so accurate, and when he then plays that aggressive from the baseline, it’s brutal.”

Like Alcaraz, the 24-time Grand Slam champion also committed to the US Open, but Djokovic was beaten by Mariano Navone in his opening match.

Having struggled physically in that loss, the veteran is seemingly edging closer and closer to retirement, but he clearly remains eager to claim one final record-breaking major title.