Rune withdraws from ASB Classic in Auckland as recovery continues ahead of Australian Open

Holger Rune began his 2023 season in Adelaide with a quick exit to Nishioka but he won't play until the Australian Open as he withdrew from Auckland next week.

Rune was set to compete in the event but he opted to withdraw from the event after showing quite a bit of rust in the loss to Nishioka in Adelaide. The plan is to practice a lot and recover well in order to better prepare for the Australian Open which is a far bigger priority for him than Auckland. The news was announced by his mother Aneke Rune who serves as his agent:

“Although we had been looking forward to Auckland, which is a fantastically enjoyable tournament, Holger listens to his coaches, who agree that the plan is to train through now with good recovery in between."

It wasnt' a good start of the year for Rune, especially after impressing at the Paris Masters some two months ago. She added:

“He is training to the max now, and it already looks much better than when we arrived. It gives a huge freedom in Holger’s game when he knows that he is strong in all parameters before a tournament.”