Rune happy to wait on new coach Becker due to Britain ban

Holger Rune said on Saturday he will not waste energy worrying over his new coach Boris Becker’s ban from Britain after serving time in a London prison last year.

Six-time Grand Slam winner Becker was given early release as a foreigner last December after six months inside but is banned from setting foot in Britain until autumn, 2024.

That means that if the new partnership holds up until next summer, world No. 6 Rune will have to go it alone with only text, WhatsApp and phone guidance while competing at the All England Club.

“I didn’t think about that,” Rune admitted concerning Becker’s legal restrictions.. 

“I know the rules (laws) of course. It’s not a big problem and it would be great if he can go, but let’s see.”

The new dynamic duo will make their debut at next week’s Swiss Indoors, where Rune lost the final a year ago to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The 20-year-old Dane will become the centre of attention at the St Jakobshalle after drawcard Carlos Alcaraz withdrew injured.

Becker and Rune finalised their coaching arrangement after a week of training together in Monte Carlo.

The 55-year-old German’s knowledge will also come in handy due to his 2013-2016 coaching stint with current world No. 1 Novak Djokovic – whom Rune has defeated twice in three matches.

Their latest showdown came last November in the final of the Paris Bercy Masters won by the youngster.

“It’s great to learn from players like (Boris) and from Rafa, Roger and Novak,” Rune said. “It would be good to steal a bit from what they did – they got so many things right.

“Boris did well as a coach of Djokovic and as a player. I’m excited to hear what he has to say.”

Rune added: “Boris is teaching me things that are basic but important,” he said. “It’s gonna be nice, you’ll see.”