Holger Rune makes painful US Open decision as comeback suffers another delay
ATPFriday, 21 August 2026 at 23:30
Holger Rune has withdrawn from the 2026 US Open, delaying his long-awaited return to competitive tennis after a serious Achilles injury. The former world No. 4 had remained on the entry list until nine days before the tournament, but ultimately decided that making a Grand Slam his first event back would carry too much risk.
The Dane's withdrawal adds another major name to an increasingly difficult picture for the final Grand Slam of the season. Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper have also pulled out in the past few hours, meaning three prominent players have now been removed from the US Open field in a significant blow before the tournament even begins.
Rune has been sidelined for around ten months after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Stockholm at the end of 2025. Although his recovery has progressed to the point where he can train at a high intensity, the 23-year-old has remained cautious about placing his body immediately into the demands of five-set Grand Slam tennis.
That caution ultimately led to his decision in the final days before the tournament. Rune had previously suggested that he could return during the Davis Cup period in September, and his latest announcement indicates that a comeback could still come relatively soon.
Rune refuses to rush comeback after training with Alcaraz
Rune spent the past week training in Murcia alongside Carlos Alcaraz as he tested his physical condition ahead of a possible return in New York. The pair simulated competitive conditions, with Rune completing demanding sessions but ultimately recognizing that he was not yet ready to sustain that intensity over a Grand Slam fortnight.
After the training block, Rune thanked Alcaraz and his team for helping him prepare for his return. “I want to thank you, Carlos, and your team, for a great week of training in Murcia. I’m very happy with my improvements and my level; we keep working," the former world No. 4 said. "My team and I have decided that we will not choose a Grand Slam as my first tournament back. I hope to see you all very soon.”
Holger Rune claps to the crowd at the Indian Wells Open
The decision means Rune will have to wait at least a little longer for his first official match since his Achilles injury. He had previously admitted that returning at the US Open was not guaranteed, particularly given the physical demands of playing best-of-five matches after such a long absence.
The Davis Cup now appears to be one of the clearest possibilities for his comeback, with Rune having previously discussed the September tie as a potential target. A return during the Asian swing could then provide another opportunity to rebuild his ranking and match fitness before attempting to return to the upper reaches of the ATP Tour.
Sinner and Draper add to growing US Open absences
Rune's withdrawal comes at a particularly difficult moment for the US Open, with Sinner and Draper also joining the list of notable absences.
Sinner's withdrawal was confirmed after the world No. 1 continued to deal with a right knee problem that forced him out of Cincinnati. The Italian had been expected to arrive in New York as one of the tournament's leading contenders, but his physical condition ultimately made participation impossible.
Draper has also been ruled out, removing another major threat from the men's draw. The British No. 1 has struggled with injuries during the season and will now miss the final Grand Slam of 2026.
For Rune, however, the priority is different. Rather than risk turning his comeback into another setback, the Dane has opted to wait until his body is ready. “My team and I have decided not to play a Grand Slam as the first tournament for my comeback. I will see you next year at the US Open. And I can’t wait to see you all again soon.”
The US Open will therefore have to wait for Rune's return. After ten months away, the former top-four player is choosing patience over a premature comeback — even as another major absence makes an already depleted men's field considerably weaker.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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