Worst case scenario for Holger Rune with fully broken achilles, expected to be out for 9-12 months

Holger Rune heartbreakingly was ahead against Ugo Humbert at the Stockholm Open and had to retire barely able to walk off court on his own accord and he has now confirmed that it is the worst case scenario with regards to his achilles.

Rune will be out for 9-12 months with the injury and the earliest he will be back will be the US Open and that it is if the recovery all goes well and in this case extremely well. For a player who emerged so brightly including at the Paris Masters just a few years ago he has often struggled since his breakout moments with illness, injury and coaching changes.

He sat on court in tears telling the physio that he heard his achilles tendon pop and he needed help leaving the court as Humbert got an unfortunate bye through to the final of the Stockholm Open after a horrific set of circumstances that will have a long term effect on Rune in regards to his future. He now will be out likely until the end of the 2026 season meaning he is potentially not likely to play until at least 2027. For a player so bright it is very unfortunate.

It was mooted by his mother Aneke to Danish newspaper BT but it has now been confirmed that it was the achilles. "They are completely sure that it is a torn Achilles tendon, so it's of course very bad. Holger is completely devastated. They say they can see it with the naked eye," she said.

Rune penned on Instagram. "It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again. It’s tough. I had so much joy on court in Stockholm and it’s unbearable to think that I will not feel this energy for some time now. My Achilles is full broken on the proximal part meaning I need operation already next week and from here rehabilitation. Thank you for all your support now and always. Without you nothing would be the same. See you as soon as possible."

Jack Draper and Casper Ruud among others both rallied around Rune on socials but also fired a warning to the sport about injuries like this. "Injuries are going to happen… we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren't supposed to in elite sport," said Draper.

"We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now and I'm proud to be a part of that.

"However, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are going to achieve some sort of longevity."