Holger Rune’s Sickness Saga: What’s Behind the Monte Carlo Mystery?

Holger Rune’s recent retirement from the Monte Carlo Masters has sparked concern and confusion. The young Danish star, a former finalist at the event, was forced to withdraw during his first-round match against Nuno Borges, leaving fans and commentators puzzled. While initial reports suggested illness, Rune has since revealed the culprit: food poisoning. This marks the second time this season that food poisoning has led to his withdrawal from a tournament, prompting him to undergo tests to determine the underlying cause of his recurring health issues. Let’s delve into the details surrounding Rune’s Monte Carlo exit, the potential reasons behind his sickness, and what this means for his upcoming schedule.

The Monte Carlo Exit: A Frustrating Setback

Rune’s Monte Carlo campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during his match against Portugal’s Nuno Borges. The tenth-seeded Rune struggled from the start, losing the first set 6-2. He then called for the doctor after the set. After falling behind 3-0 in the second set, Rune decided to retire from the match.

“I clearly saw that he wasn’t feeling great,” Borges said after the match. Commentator Mikey Perera noted that Rune “doesn’t even want the medication from the doctor”.

Rune, who lives in Monaco and trains on the Monte Carlo courts, expressed his disappointment on social media. “I feel hunted with sickness. Unbearable not to be able to finish up in one of my absolute favourite tournaments,” he wrote on Instagram.

Food Poisoning Strikes Again: A Recurring Nightmare

Following his retirement, Rune revealed that food poisoning was the reason for his withdrawal. “In Monte-Carlo, I suffered from food poisoning. I love the tournament, it was just really bad luck. It was super complicated for me, as were the days after,” he explained.

This isn’t the first time food poisoning has derailed Rune’s season. In February, he was forced to retire from his round-of-16 match in Acapulco against Brandon Nakashima after just three games due to the same issue. “Furious and so sad at the same time. Had a food poisoning and was unable to play today,” Rune said at the time.

The recurrence of food poisoning has raised concerns about Rune’s health and potential underlying issues. He is currently undergoing “tests” to determine the cause of these repeated episodes.

Mother’s Concern and Support

Rune’s mother and agent, Aneke Rune, has been vocal about her concern for her son’s health. “I simply don’t understand how he can be so unlucky,” she said. “I know there are two other players who also have a stomach virus. But why Holger again? He hasn’t been out, he’s been sleeping and living healthily. It’s terrible for him to be hit right here. It could happen at any other tournament, but just not right here.”

Despite the setbacks, Aneke remains supportive and optimistic. She sent a touching message to Holger, saying, “The season is long, so don’t worry, you will be exactly where you want to be when the year ends. Sometimes unforeseen setbacks gives an even bigger hunger. Keep aiming high and work for it and you WILL be rewarded.”

Potential Causes and Concerns

The repeated bouts of food poisoning raise several questions. Is Rune particularly susceptible to foodborne illnesses? Are there specific foods or environments triggering these episodes? Or could there be an underlying medical condition making him more vulnerable?

Some possible explanations include:

• Increased susceptibility: Rune may have a weaker immune system or a specific vulnerability to certain bacteria or toxins that cause food poisoning.
• Dietary factors: His diet, either at home or while traveling, could be a contributing factor. Certain foods are more prone to contamination, and dietary changes while on tour could disrupt his gut microbiome.
• Travel-related risks: As a professional tennis player, Rune travels extensively, exposing him to different environments and food safety standards.
• Underlying medical condition: In rare cases, recurrent food poisoning can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition affecting the digestive system or immune function.

The “tests” Rune is undergoing will hopefully shed light on these possibilities and help identify the root cause of his recurring health issues.

Impact on Upcoming Tournaments

Despite the setback in Monte Carlo, Rune is determined to continue his clay-court season. He is scheduled to compete at the Barcelona Open, an ATP 500 tournament, where he is the No. 6 seed. His first match is against Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

“Maybe it’s just bad luck, but it’s very annoying, especially in a tournament like Monaco, where I’ve been good and I enjoy playing,” Rune said. “I’m trying to stay focused on the next goal, playing in Barcelona.”

He remains optimistic about his form and potential for success. “I’m still playing good tennis. My preparation before the Monte Carlo tournament, before I got sick, was pretty good. I was playing well. I don’t think too much about my level, I just focus on working day by day. I trust myself. If I’m fresh, I can get back to my best.”

However, his performance in Barcelona and future tournaments will depend on his health and ability to overcome these recurring health issues. It is crucial for him to identify the cause of his food poisoning and take appropriate measures to prevent future episodes.

Broader Implications for Athletes

Rune’s experience highlights the challenges faced by professional athletes who travel frequently and are under constant pressure to perform. Maintaining optimal health and avoiding illness are crucial for success, but the demands of the sport can make it difficult.

Food safety is a significant concern for athletes, as even a mild case of food poisoning can impair performance and disrupt training schedules. Athletes need to be vigilant about food hygiene, especially when traveling to different countries with varying food safety standards.

Furthermore, Rune’s situation underscores the importance of addressing underlying health issues that may make athletes more susceptible to illness. Identifying and managing these conditions can help prevent future episodes and ensure optimal performance.

The Road Ahead

Holger Rune’s recent struggles with food poisoning have been a frustrating setback in his promising career. However, his determination to overcome these challenges and continue competing at the highest level is admirable.

As he undergoes tests to determine the cause of his recurring health issues, the tennis world will be watching closely, hoping for a speedy resolution and a return to full health. With his talent and resilience, Rune has the potential to achieve great things in the sport, but only if he can overcome these health obstacles.

His performance in the upcoming Barcelona Open will be a key indicator of his progress. If he can stay healthy and focused, he has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament and regain his confidence.

Ultimately, the key to Rune’s success lies in addressing the root cause of his food poisoning and implementing strategies to prevent future episodes. With the right medical care and support, he can overcome these challenges and continue his journey towards the top of the tennis world.