A different kind of grind: Holger Rune launches Manuka Honey brand during rehab

Holger Rune is utilizing his extended time away from the courts amidst his recovery to venture into the business world with a unique commercial project: the sale of Manuka honey. The former world No. 4 recently launched his personal brand, HVNR Health, featuring products specifically designed to enhance athletic performance. The Danish tennis player is ensuring he remains productive after ending the 2025 season in the worst possible fashion, pivoting to entrepreneurship while unable to compete.

An injury sustained in the middle of the Stockholm Open resulted in a ruptured Achilles tendon, forcing him to undergo surgery a few weeks ago. The recovery process is expected to be extensive, with no clear dates set regarding his return, though medical estimates range from 6 to 9 months if rehabilitation proceeds smoothly. However, due to the complexity and nature of this specific injury, there has been speculation that he might not return to the court at all during 2026.

The former Paris Masters champion faces a significant period on the sidelines, which inevitably implies a long hiatus from generating prize money income. Conscious of this financial reality, Rune launched his Manuka honey sales project, sourcing the product directly from New Zealand. The item is marketed as a recovery aid used by elite athletes, leveraging his own status to promote the benefits of the product for physical well-being.

The brand's messaging explicitly connects Rune's athletic credentials with the nutritional benefits of the product. “As one of the world’s top tennis players, Holger Rune knows that performance starts with what you put into your body,” reads the website. “That’s why he has chosen to collaborate with Manuka Doctor, bringing the purest Manuka honey from New Zealand into his daily routine. This unique honey is packed with natural strength, powered by its high MGO content, and trusted by athletes around the world.”

The 22-year-old player ended his season with this regrettable injury during his campaign at the Stockholm Open, where he had reached the semifinals and was facing Ugo Humbert. A sudden fall forced him to retire when the score was locked at 6-4, 2-2. The Dane had clear chances to reach his third final of the season—precisely at a critical moment when he was contending for a top-10 finish and fighting for a qualification spot for the ATP Finals.

By the conclusion of the season, Rune dropped in the rankings to world No. 15, a slide that is expected to worsen significantly in the opening months of 2026. During this upcoming period, he is tasked with defending a large amount of points from previous successes, including reaching the fourth round at the US Open, the final at Indian Wells, and winning the title at the Barcelona Open.

A few days ago, Rune shared a health update on social media, posting a video revealing that he has started walking again—though the process remains physically difficult. The world No. 15 is displaying resilience and optimism during one of the most challenging moments of his career, dealing with a ruptured Achilles tendon, which is notoriously difficult for athletes.

“The end of phase 2 is getting closer, 7.5 weeks since surgery. The boot is slowly getting off and transition to walking in shoes with elevation has begun,” he posted on Instagram. “It’s super difficult to walk. but I kind of get a kick out of the challenge enjoy your weekend everyone.”