'His potential is unreal': Kyrgios wants to play doubles with Rune

Rune started to make his mark among the elite last year, winning his first ATP title in Munich in April, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final in Stockholm and surprising Novak Djokovic in the final round at the Masters in Paris. In addition, he reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and made his debut in the Top 10. Kyrgios also had the season of his life, ending a three-year wait for a triumph in Washington, playing the Wimbledon final and climbing back into the Top 20.

"Holger's potential is unreal, he can win several Grand Slams. He is very important for tennis," Kyrgios said in an interview with Danish television BT, adding that he would like to mentor his younger colleague. "I would love that! He is one of the guys I want to help."

"Holger's game is great, I love watching him. You can see he loves tennis because he has incredible discipline. But maybe he needs a little bit of fun to push himself even further. I wouldn't just like to give him advice, but also help him relax. That's why I would like to play doubles with him."

"Whenever he wants, I'm ready. We could try this year at a smaller tournament," said the 27-year-old Australian, who dominated the Australian Open last year with compatriot Thanassi Kokkinakis. "I'm sure he would be up for it. We would make a great doubles pair. We'll see. Maybe I'll ask him myself," he added.

First, however, they both need to get their health back together. Kyrgios has not played this year due to knee surgery and will most likely not return to tournaments until the Masters events in the United States in March. Rune withdrew from his second round match in Rotterdam due to a wrist injury. They are scheduled to play an exhibition match at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen at the end of May.