Holger Rune's mother Aneke comes to his defense, shares journalist quote saying "Maybe Google Roger Federer and his antics when he was Rune's age"

Holger Rune's mother Aneke has come to his defense amid the ongoing Indian Wells controversy. Aneke recently shared the views of a Danish journalist comparing her son's behavior to that of Roger Federer in the early years of his career.

Rune received a lot of criticism for his interaction with Stan Wawrinka at the net after losing to him in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Monday. The two shook hands after the thrilling encounter, which is when the Dane said:

"You got nothing to say now?"

This was in reference to Wawrinka telling Rune not to be a baby on the court during their post-match handshake at the Paris Masters a few months back.

While Rune received a lot of criticism and even some abuse on social media for his comments, a few people have defended him too. One of those people is Danish journalist Emilie, who gave a very detailed explanation of the whole situation.

Aneke Rune's Instagram story screenshot, Holger Rune and Roger Federer

Emilie expressed disgust at the abuse that Rune has received, and claimed that Wawrinka "bullied" the teenager at the Paris Masters by calling him a baby. She also stated that Rune's remark in Indian Wells was a joke.

"Disgusting to see all this faux outrage and relentless bullying of a 19-year-old child. After 38-year-old @stanwawrinka85 lost the match in Paris, he approached the net and bullied him, calling him a 'baby'," she said.

"Yesterday they played again. Holger went to the net, shook his hand, and congratulated him, and later jokingly said, 'You have nothing to say this time?' It was a complete fun, lighthearted remark and he has been receiving a barrage of abuse and trolling for it," she added.

The journalist further claimed that Roger Federer himself did not always display the best behavior he was Rune's age. According to Emilie, Rune's biggest flaw is that he is too honest and real.

"No, I don't blindly defend him because he is Danish. I have criticized him before directly, but he did absolutely nothing wrong yesterday. All these people judging and scrutinizing him must be living such a perfect flawless life," she said.

"Maybe Google Roger Federer and his antics when he was Holger's age. He is a good kid, extremely kind and polite. His biggest flaw is he is too honest and too real. I love that about him. I couldn't be more proud of him! And his ability to listen and learn. All my love to Holger & also to @anekerune," she added.

Rune's mother Aneke reshared these comments on her Instagram stories.

---

"Roger Federer as a youngster was 40 times worse than I was" - Holger Rune in 2022

Holger Rune in action at the Indian Wells Masters

Holger Rune came under the scanner for his attitude on a few occasions last season.

While talking about his demeanor, the Dane told Ekstra Bladet in June 2022 that Roger Federer was 40 times worse than him when he was young. The teenager further said he had plenty of time to build a good image, citing how Federer is now one of the most admired players in the world.

"If you saw Roger Federer as a youngster, back then he was maybe 40 times worse than I was," Rune said. "He is one of the most beloved tennis players on the tour. So I think I have plenty of time to get an even better image."

After his defeat in Indian Wells, Holger Rune will next compete at the Miami Masters.