Holger Rune’s mother says comeback is “very close” as US Open return remains in doubt
ATPMonday, 10 August 2026 at 20:30
Holger Rune's comeback is now entering its decisive stage, with his mother and representative Aneke Rune providing a positive assessment of his recovery while acknowledging that his participation at the US Open remains uncertain.
The former world No. 4 has already withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open, but his latest rehabilitation work has moved toward tennis-specific demands, with Aneke indicating that the Dane could return before the Asian swing.
Rune has been sidelined since suffering a left Achilles tendon rupture in October 2025, an injury that brought his season to an early end and has repeatedly delayed his return. Hamburg, Roland Garros and Wimbledon had all previously been considered potential comeback tournaments, but the 23-year-old ultimately did not compete at any of them.
The US Open is now the next major possibility, although Aneke has stopped short of confirming that Rune will be ready for the hard-court Grand Slam. Instead, his team is monitoring his progress daily while increasing the intensity of his training. Rune is currently ranked No. 99 but will benefit from a protected ranking around No. 10 when he eventually returns.
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Aneke Rune assesses Holger’s comeback timeline
The uncertainty surrounding Rune's comeback is largely about timing rather than whether the rehabilitation is progressing. His team is deliberately avoiding setting a definitive date, with Aneke emphasizing that his condition can change rapidly as the workload increases.
“But let's see how quickly he gets match-fit. He will play points every day this week and we will evaluate his progress day by day. Many changes can happen on a daily basis, but it is impossible to give an exact date,” Aneke Rune wrote to L'Equipe. “The most prudent thing would be for him to return during the Asian swing at the latest. But it could also happen earlier. So we are already very close.”
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That leaves the US Open as a possibility rather than a confirmed target. The tournament begins on August 30, meaning Rune has only a limited period to prove that his body is ready for the demands of best-of-five-set competition. His withdrawal from Cincinnati removes one of the final opportunities to test himself competitively before New York.
Rune's rehabilitation has continued in southern France alongside long-time coach Lars Christensen and physical trainer Matthew Little, who worked with Andy Murray for more than 15 years. The Dane has trained at the Monte-Carlo Country Club and the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Biot during the latest stages of his recovery.
Holger Rune's last match was in Stockholm Open back in October, 2025.
Rune’s power has returned as focus shifts to tennis
The latest phase has also involved bringing back a specialist who was present in Doha when Rune underwent surgery. Aneke explained that the decision came after her son felt he could be quicker in certain situations, prompting another intensive period of work focused on movement.
“Two weeks ago, we brought back the specialist who was with us in Doha (at the time of his surgery), because Holger felt that he could be faster in certain situations,” Aneke Rune added. “They worked intensely on it, with spectacular results.”
The change in emphasis is significant because Rune is no longer simply trying to regain enough strength to resume training. His team is now preparing him for the physical and technical requirements of an ATP match, including the endurance needed to maintain his level throughout a competitive contest.
“The work is now more focused on the specific demands of tennis, and not just on recovering enough strength,” his mother and representative added. “He has regained his power, and now they are working intensively on his endurance, as well as everything directly related to tennis.”
Rune's eventual comeback will therefore depend on how he responds to this final stage rather than simply reaching a particular date on the calendar. After almost a year away from competition, returning to full tennis fitness represents a different challenge from completing the initial stages of rehabilitation.
For now, the Asian swing appears to be the safest target, but Aneke has made clear that Rune could return sooner if his progress continues. That keeps the US Open in play, although no decision has been confirmed. The clearest message from his camp is that Rune is finally approaching the point where competitive tennis is becoming a realistic possibility again.
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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