Rune eyes 'perfect' doubles linkup with Wozniacki

World No 6 Holger Rune said he hopes to partner in mixed doubles at next year's Paris Olympics with fellow Dane Caroline Wozniacki.

Wozniacki, a 33-year-old former WTA world No 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion, returned to competition last week in Montreal after retiring in 2020.

Rune, a 20-year-old who reached last month's Wimbledon quarterfinals before falling to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, confirmed that the Danish all-star combination could be getting closer to reality.

"It would be really cool, I really like her as a person and a player," he said. "It would be the perfect mix for me at the Olympics. I hope we can make it happen."

Rune said he practiced with his compatriot a few days ago in Monte Carlo, where they both reside.

"It was super exciting," he said."She was hitting the ball well and hardly missing at all.

"I was surprised that she was playing that well. She is really determined — when she goes for something I'm sure she will do it well."

Rune warned, however, that extended layoffs are tough to overcome.

"It's difficult to come back and play matches after a long time away," he said. "There are a lot of nerves involved. But once she gets that sorted out, I think she's going to be dangerous."

At the National Bank Open in Montreal, Wozniacki pronounced herself ready for her comeback.

"Preparation has been good, if tiring," she said. "I've been working hard. I want to be ready for this week and the US Open. I'm happy to be back and playing my first event in years."

Wozniacki made a triumphant return, defeating Kimberly Birrell, a 25-year-old Australian ranked No 115, in straight sets in the first round in Montreal. "It's like riding a bike basically," Wozniacki told reporters after the match. "You never forget it once you're in there."

However, the Dane faced a much sterner test in the next round against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. Wozniacki put up a good fight but lost 6-2, 7-5 to the Czech ninth seed.

Vondrousova later fell to Coco Gauff, who in turn was ousted by fellow American Jessica Pegula.

The 29-year-old Pegula produced a sizable shock by beating top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday to reach the final, breaking serve 11 times in a 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-4 victory.

Pegula, whose parents own the NFL's Buffalo Bills and NHL's Buffalo Sabres, beat Swiatek a day after fellow American Tommy Paul knocked off top-ranked Alcaraz in the men's event in Toronto.

US players had not beaten the top-ranked man and woman in the same week since April 2008 when Serena Williams beat Justine Henin, and Andy Roddick topped Roger Federer.

AFP