Holger Rune is ‘developing a reputation’, says John McEnroe

John McEnroe believes Holger Rune is beginning to develop a reputation which could see him live a ‘lonely existence’.

The assertion comes just days after Rune was involved in an altercation at the Madrid Open after he was accused of erasing a ball mark during his clash against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Following the incident, the 20-year-old was subject to consistent jeers from the Spanish crowd and McEnroe, speaking from experience, noted that it is difficult to be an unpopular player on the tour.

‘’I've said this before, I'll say it again, it's hard to be a total a****** and be on the tennis tour, okay? It's possible to do it, but you end up living a very lonely existence," he said during an appearance on his brothers podcast Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe.

‘’He likes to ham it up, he likes to engage the crowd, but he does it in a way that kind of irritates his opponents at times.

‘’Certainly, he irritates the crowd. So what's happening is, he's developing a reputation.’’

Despite this, McEnroe acknowledged that Rune is a ‘tremendous talent’ and will likely win Grand Slams, albeit not this year.

"I think Rune will come around,’’ he added.

‘’I do think he's a threat to do some serious damage at the French [Open this year]. The guy is a tremendous talent, brings a ton of energy to the court.

"I think he's capable of winning majors. This year, probably not. He still to me is a little bit up and down in the course of matches, but we've seen him play great and big matches.’’