MONTE CARLO — The world of professional tennis is known for its grueling travel schedule and immense physical demands, but for Danish sensation Holger Rune, a significant part of his recent success and well-being can be attributed to a lavish, Novak Djokovic-inspired purchase: a state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.
The 20-year-old, who has rapidly ascended into the world's top 10, recently revealed he invested a staggering £200,000 (approximately $250,000) in the high-tech recovery pod, a move directly influenced by the legendary Serb's renowned dedication to cutting-edge recovery and longevity in the sport.
The Djokovic Influence: A Blueprint for Longevity
Novak Djokovic is not just a champion on the court; he is a pioneer in the science of athletic performance. His meticulous approach to diet, sleep, mental conditioning, and recovery has set a new standard for professional athletes worldwide. For young players like Rune, who have faced Djokovic across the net and witnessed his incredible physical resilience firsthand, the 24-time Grand Slam champion's methods are a compelling blueprint.
Rune has spoken openly about his admiration for Djokovic's professionalism. In a recent interview, he stated, "You look at what Novak does, and it's not by chance that he is still dominating at his age. He leaves no stone unturned. His recovery is a huge part of that, and it's something I knew I had to invest in for my own career."
The specific inspiration struck during the latter half of the 2023 season. After a series of intense matches and a nagging back issue, Rune's team began researching the most advanced recovery technologies available. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) chamber, a centerpiece of Djokovic's own regimen, consistently emerged as the gold standard.
What Exactly Did £200,000 Buy?
So, what does a £200,000 recovery pod entail? This is not a simple compression boots or ice bath setup. Rune's purchase is a sophisticated medical-grade device that simulates a high-altitude environment in reverse. The user lies in a pressurized chamber, breathing in pure oxygen at levels significantly higher than atmospheric pressure.
This process super-saturates the blood plasma with oxygen, which is then delivered throughout the body to accelerate healing. The benefits touted by athletes and medical professionals are extensive and directly target the wear-and-tear of a tennis pro's life:
- Accelerated muscle repair after intense training and matches.
- Reduction of inflammation and swelling.
- Enhanced recovery from ligament and joint injuries.
- Improved sleep quality and cognitive function.
Rune's model is a sleek, pod-like design that he can use at home, ensuring he has access to optimal recovery no matter his location, without relying on finding a specialized clinic. He has integrated sessions into his daily routine, often using the chamber after practice or before bed to maximize its effects.
A Strategic Investment in a Demanding Career
For a 20-year-old, £200,000 is an enormous sum. However, in the context of a professional tennis career where a single major title can be worth millions and longevity is the key to sustained earnings, Rune and his team view it as a strategic investment. The physical toll of the ATP Tour is immense, with players competing on multiple surfaces across different continents with minimal off-seasons.
Boris Becker, who briefly coached Rune, commented on the purchase, saying, "The modern game is brutal on the body. The smart players, the ones who want long careers, are investing in their recovery as much as their forehands. Holger is thinking like a future champion."
This sentiment echoes the philosophy of Djokovic, who has often stated that his off-court routines are as important as his on-court training. By emulating this approach, Rune is signaling his commitment to not just breaking into the top echelon of the sport, but staying there for the long haul.
The Science Behind the Splurge
While hyperbaric therapy has been used for decades to treat conditions like decompression sickness in divers, its adoption by elite athletes is a more recent phenomenon. The theory is that the increased oxygen availability helps reduce lactic acid buildup, repairs damaged tissue at a cellular level, and stimulates the production of stem cells.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found that athletes using HBOT showed significantly improved recovery rates from muscle fatigue and damage compared to a control group. For a player like Rune, whose game is built on explosive movement and powerful groundstrokes, minimizing downtime is critical.
More Than Just a Machine: A Shift in Mentality
Rune's purchase is symbolic of a broader shift in the new generation of tennis stars. They are not just athletes; they are CEOs of their own careers, meticulously managing every aspect from coaching and scheduling to branding and, crucially, health technology.
This proactive approach to longevity stands in contrast to previous eras, where players often competed through pain and shortened their careers due to accumulated injuries. Rune's investment shows an understanding that the margin for victory at the highest level is often found away from the public eye, in the relentless pursuit of a one or two percent physical advantage.
In a social media post showcasing his new chamber, Rune captioned it, "Recovery is training. Investing in the tools to be the best version of myself every day. Grateful to have this at home." The post was notably liked by Djokovic himself, a silent nod of approval from the master to the apprentice.
Conclusion: The Price of Peak Performance
Holger Rune's £200,000 hyperbaric chamber is more than a swanky luxury; it is a testament to the evolving landscape of professional tennis. Inspired by the greatest player of his generation, Rune is making a clear statement about his ambitions and his willingness to spare no expense in achieving them.
As the sport becomes faster and more physically demanding, the players who embrace science and technology as integral parts of their training will likely have the edge. While the price tag is eye-watering, if this investment helps Rune win a single Grand Slam or extends his career by several years, it will be seen not as an extravagance, but as one of the smartest purchases he ever made.
The chase for tennis glory is on, and for Holger Rune, it now involves a daily session in a pressurized pod, breathing the same rarified air as his idol, Novak Djokovic, in more ways than one.