Holger Rune’s Season Ends Early Due to Injury at Nordic Open

World number 11 Holger Rune has become the latest top tennis player to end his season early because of injury. The 22-year-old from Denmark was hurt during the Nordic Open in Stockholm.

Rune was close to returning to the top 10 after reaching the semi-finals at the ATP 250 event. However, he had to retire while leading French player Ugo Humbert by a set.

Rune’s mother, Aneke Rune, told Danish newspaper BT that medical staff had said the injury was “very bad”.

“They are completely sure that it is a torn Achilles tendon, so it’s of course very bad. Holger is, of course, completely devastated. They say they can see it with the naked eye,” she said.

Before the match, Rune was already dealing with a hamstring problem. During the game, he looked to understand straight away how serious the injury was. He became emotional as he got treatment after hobbling to his chair.

The injury happened when he jumped to hit a ball at the back of the court. At that time, the score was 40-40 on Humbert’s serve and Rune was leading 6-4, 2-2.

Humbert said:

“It was not the way I wanted to win. I’m very disappointed for Holger, and I hope he will be OK. I wish him a speedy recovery. It was a great match, and he was playing a little better than me. I’m really sorry for Holger.”

In other tennis news, Naomi Osaka also withdrew from the Japan Open before her quarter-final because of a leg injury.

Earlier this year, former women’s world number one Iga Swiatek said the season was “too long and too intense”, as many players suffered injuries during the China Open.

British number one Emma Raducanu ended her season early after she had to retire from two matches due to illness.

Players such as Australia’s Daria Kasatkina, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, and Spain’s Paula Badosa have also finished their seasons early recently because of injury or the need for a rest.