Holger Rune has denied any ill effects that seem to have come along the way for star players featured in Netflix’s tennis documentary. He mocked the idea of a ‘curse’ being the driving factor for failure for the players.
Rising star Holger Rune was recently cast as one of the poster boys for Netflix’s latest release, ‘Breaking Point: Season 2’. The Dane features majorly in the fifth episode of the documentary which goes through his ups and downs from the last season. It also continues from his season 1 storyline, portraying him as the next big tennis talent.
The ever-confident Rune won his first match at the Australian Open in fine fashion beating his Japanese opponent Yoshihito Nishioka in four sets scoring 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 to secure his spot in the second round. It was a tricky few rounds for Holger, but he was able to maintain his composure and deliver the results on Tuesday.
Reflecting on his performance and the playing conditions of the match, the Danish player had this to say:
“It was very hot, I had to get used to it especially in the beginning, but I thought you know I was very calm in the first set and managed to find some good tennis. And then he raised his level a little bit made it a bit harder. But at the end I think it became a physical battle, and I was feeling good, I was feeling better and better throughout the match, so I’m just very happy to get through.”
The World No. 8 was then asked about his feature in the Netflix documentary and to opine his views on the possibility of a ‘curse’ that surrounds those who star in it. In response to the question, Rune said that the idea of a ‘curse’ is just stupid and had nothing to do with the bad performances of the players.
He also mentioned Aryna Sabalenka‘s Australian Open win last year as support for his statements.
“I think it’s stupid, to be honest. No offence. I think it’s nothing to do with that. I think Novak could do ten Netflix series & still win 20 Grand Slams or 24… I think Sabalenka did a few already, & she won Australian Open last year. That’s it.”
Aryna Sabalenka defies Netflix curse, wins the Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka stars in the first episode of Netflix’s Breaking Point and the title of the episode is ‘The Curse’. The episode explores the myth of the Netflix curse along with the story of Sabalenka and shows how she puts up with the ‘curse’ speculations.
Aryna, who was one of the features of the first season had to deal with a rough situation when her father passed away the previous year in 2022. Sabalenka hadn’t won the Australian Open before having previously lost in the semis thrice. And suddenly she had a lot of pressure on her to deliver in the 2023 season.
But the Belarusian star composed herself and fought her demons to finally capture the Australian title in 2023. She emerged as a champion, breaking away from the shackles of her doubts, mental struggles and the Netflix curse.
In the documentary, she seems to be overjoyed by her victory and even mentions the alleged curse by disapproving of its effect.
“What f*cking Netflix curse,” said Aryna while posing with her Australian Open trophy.
