Rune, who sends tennis equipment to Africa: "I believe all children should be able to achieve their dreams"
Holger Rune is aiming for a spot in his first Masters 1000 final at Indian Wells this Saturday night. After a flawless run so far, the Danish player, ranked 13th in the world, will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals on the California courts.
In the meantime, Rune gave an interview to the official ATP website, where he discussed his efforts to help the less fortunate over the years.
Indeed, the former world number 4 has been distributing rackets and clothing to tennis clubs across the African continent since his junior days, providing equipment to those who cannot afford it.
"I’ve always had the vision in my mind that everyone deserves a chance. I’m very privileged to have the opportunity and the chance to do what I wanted to do and what I love to do. I obviously had amazing parents. That helped, and it still helps a lot.
But I feel like I can do whatever I want to do, which is to give rackets, tennis balls, and clothes to those who may have more difficulties. I believe all children should be able to achieve their dreams.
Whether they succeed or not, I think they should all have a chance. That’s why I try to give as much as I can. I had tons of rackets at home because I loved changing rackets when I was young, so I had way too many.
I probably had 40 or 50 rackets, and also clothes. I thought that instead of leaving them in the basement or throwing them away, maybe I should give them to those who need them the most.
We had this idea, and then we got a contact from a guy who lives in Barcelona and had reached out to people in Benin, where we started sending equipment. I still remember having a Skype call, a video call with them just before Christmas.
They had posters of me, and you could see all the rackets I sent, they were playing with them, and just seeing the smiles on their faces was so beautiful. I’m a financial supporter, but they can also ask me questions if they want to know about my experiences.
I’ve also played with some of them, and I’ll continue to do so. For me, children are very important because I was still one myself not too long ago, so it’s an easy connection.
For me, it means a lot. I clearly remember when I was six, seven, eight years old, and I had the support I needed to play tennis. I had parents who helped me. I try to help in return as much as I can. Whatever I can do to support, whether with money or ideas, I try to do it," Rune stated.
