Danish tennis star Holger Rune has described his recent Achilles tendon injury as “unbearable,” confirming he faces a significant period off court and requires surgery. The world No. 11 sustained the severe injury during his semi-final match at the Nordic Open in Stockholm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, forcing him to withdraw from the tournament.
A Devastating Blow in Stockholm
Rune was competing against Ugo Humbert in the semi-finals when the injury occurred. He was leading the match 6-4, 2-2, when he pulled up sharply, immediately recognizing the severity of the issue. Visible distress and tears marked his departure from the court, necessitating assistance from an ATP physio. Subsequent medical evaluation confirmed the worst: a full rupture of the Achilles tendon on the proximal part.
Rune’s Heartfelt “Unbearable” Statement
The 22-year-old took to Instagram on Sunday to share an update with his fans, expressing the profound emotional impact of the injury. “It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again. It’s tough,” Rune wrote. He continued, reflecting on his performance in the tournament, “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.”
Rune’s post also clarified the medical path forward, stating, “My Achilles is full broken on the proximal part meaning I need operation already next week and from here rehabilitation.” He concluded his message with gratitude for the support and a hopeful “See you as soon as possible.”
The Road to Recovery: A Long Hiatus
An Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most serious injuries a tennis player can face, often requiring 9-12 months of recovery before a full return to competitive action. While Rune did not specify a definitive timeline for his comeback, he conceded he would be out for “a while.” This extended absence will undoubtedly impact his ranking and his participation in major tournaments in the upcoming season. He may need to utilize a protected ranking upon his return.
A History of Injury Setbacks
This recent Achilles rupture adds to a challenging period for Rune concerning injuries. The young Dane has faced several physical setbacks throughout his relatively short but impactful career. Last year, he was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a wrist injury, having played with pain during both the clay and grass seasons. Earlier in the 2025 season, in April, he retired midway through a match in Monte Carlo. Later in July, a knee injury hampered him at Wimbledon, contributing to a first-round defeat. Just weeks before the Nordic Open, he also pulled out of the Citi Open due to lower back pain, calling the timing “super bad.”
The severity of this Achilles injury presents the most significant challenge yet for Rune, who has been a prominent figure among the new generation of men’s tennis players. The tennis community awaits further updates on his surgery and rehabilitation process, hoping for a successful and swift return to the court.
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