Season 2, Episode 2 of the Netflix docuseries “Break Point” featured Holger Rune. His mother, Aneke Rune, got a lot of screen time since she was serving as his manager at the time. The first time I watched the episode, I didn’t develop a very good first impression. That likely had to do with the jarring fact that she apparently smokes a lot and did so on camera. She was also a large component of the narrative that Holger was rapidly maturing, which was a stark contrast to other scenes in the episode. However, my perspective changed when I watched it for a second time.
In the world of tennis, few factors are as influential as mental strength. While Holger frequently comes off as a petulant toddler during this episode, it is also clear how much positive thinking influences his play. That confidence was apparently deeply instilled in him by Aneke. I agreed with much of her philosophical ideas about tennis. Additionally, it is clear that she is Holger’s most ardent supporter. We should all have someone like that in our lives.
One scene revealed a handwritten note nestled in the cup of one of his junior trophies. It was most likely written by his mother. It reads, “Keep your head up, Holgee! The future is yours!” That note is reflective of Aneke’s philosophy that maintaining a positive outlook can significantly enhance performance and well-being, both on and off the court. In fact, other images in this sequence on the show reveal that many areas of his childhood home serve as a shrine to his junior tennis achievements.
Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Aneke has clearly been instrumental in Holger’s tennis career. While she has subsequently stepped away from managing her son and no longer travels to all of his tournaments, her philosophy of resilience and focus has made an indelible impact on his competitive play. ,
With its simple yet powerful message, the handwritten note is an example of constant support and inspiration for Holger. It creates a mindset that reminds him to stay positive and embrace every challenge. It is a testament to the transformative power of positive thinking in tennis.
