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Holger Rune was considered to be forming a new “Big 3” after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Although Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have created two gigantic pillars of their own in the game, Rune hasn’t lived up to his potential yet. However, the Danish player hopes he isn’t involved in a similar controversy to the one Sinner recently found himself in.

The tennis world continues to reel from high-profile doping revelations involving Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Still, Rune added his voice to the debate by revealing his experiences with anti-doping tests in 2024. The current world No. 13 disclosed that he underwent approximately 20 doping tests before the Paris Olympics, emphasizing the intense scrutiny players face and the measures he takes to ensure his compliance.

Rune’s comments come in the wake of two major controversies. Swiatek, the women’s World No. 2, recently served a one-month ban following a positive test for the angina drug trimetazidine, which the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled was caused by contaminated melatonin supplements. Meanwhile, men’s World No. 1 Sinner is embroiled in a battle to clear his name after WADA appealed a decision clearing him of fault for two positive tests. These incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness and fairness of anti-doping protocols, further intensifying the spotlight on tennis players’ responsibilities.

Rune Discusses Doping Tests and His Vigilance

Speaking ahead of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) Grand Final in London, Rune highlighted the rigorous testing regime he has faced this year. “We had a lot of doping control this year,” Rune said. “Before the Olympics, I had around 20 tests, and that is a lot, but they are doing everything to keep the sport clean, which is very, very important.” Rune also shared insights into his meticulous approach to avoiding contamination, including strict care with his supplements, food, and drink. 

“Personally, I always take care of what I eat and drink,” he added. “If I leave a drink anywhere, I never pick it up again. You have to protect yourself where you can to make sure I can do what I love, and that’s play tennis every day.” Rune noted that while he conducts regular blood tests to monitor his health, he avoids discussing the specifics, emphasizing only the importance of maintaining balance through vitamins and essential nutrients.

Sinner’s Ongoing Battle and Swiatek’s Resolution

While Rune has managed to navigate his doping tests without incident, the same cannot be said for his peers embroiled in controversy. Swiatek’s case concluded relatively quickly after it was determined that her positive test resulted from contaminated melatonin supplements. The company responsible for the product has since issued an apology. Swiatek returned to the tour after serving a one-month ban, most of which was under provisional suspension.

Sinner’s situation remains far more precarious. The Italian, who initially convinced a tribunal that the banned substance entered his system via a spray used by his physio, now faces an appeal from WADA. The organization is seeking a ban of up to two years, claiming the original ruling of “no fault or negligence” was incorrect under anti-doping regulations. The case is set to be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, though no date has been scheduled.