“It’s super intense” – Rune ready for the unique challenges of UTS

The Dane is in Oslo gearing up for the first leg of 2024’s UTS tour, taking place this weekend in the Norwegian capital

Holger Rune, UTS Oslo, 2024 © UTS

February 8, 2024

Holger Rune is clearly relishing the challenge that lies ahead in the first leg of this year’s UTS tour, taking place in Oslo this weekend.

With a unique format designed to minimise stoppages and reduce the time taken between points, adjusting quickly to the rhythm of UTS matches is the key to mastering both your own game and your opponent in the cauldron of theatre that is the Ultimate Tennis Showdown.

“It’s very challenging. It’s super intense,” was how Rune described it when speaking to Tennis Majors ahead of Friday’s first matches.

“But I think it’s great because it’s always mostly long rallies, and I think it’s very entertaining for the crowd,” the Dane continued.

“There’s not so much waiting.”

Rune – or, The Viking, as is his UTS moniker – takes on fellow Scandinavian Casper “The Iceman” Ruud in his second match tomorrow.

The Dane is hoping for a raucous atmosphere from the Norwegian crowd, despite the fact that he will be playing against their home favourite.

“I hope they’re going to be loud,” Rune said. “I’m expecting them not to be as loud, but let’s see.

“You know, we both you know, almost in the top 10, and you know, it’s probably going to be a very exciting match for the public also to watch.

“So just looking forward for it has to see where my level is at.”

The Viking will take on Dominic “Thieminho” Thiem in his opening UTS match, before facing Ruud in what has been dubbed ‘The Battle of the North’.

There will be twelve matches split across both Friday and Saturday to complete the group stage, before the semi-finals and final will be played out on Sunday.

For those who wish to experience the intoxicating chaos and feverish atmosphere that is UTS, you can still purchase tickets for the event here.

Just be prepared for noise, and lots of it.

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