Holger Rune breaks silence after receiving criticism for rushing tennis comeback despite injury

Holger Rune recently broke his silence after being on the end of some stern criticism for seemingly hastening his return to competitive tennis following a severe Achilles injury he sustained at the 2025 Nordic Open in Stockholm. The injury cut short the Dane's 2025 season and he was initially expected to be sidelined for several months.

In Stockholm, Rune reached the semifinals, where he locked horns with Ugo Humbert from France. Here, the 22-year-old put himself within touching distance of the final by winning the first set. However, with the second set deadlocked at 2-2, the World No. 15 suffered the Achilles injury, which led to him retiring mid-match. Subsequently, Rune underwent surgery and soon, he was back in training, sparking both concern and criticism.

Speaking recently on Danish television, Holger Rune boldly claimed that he will be a much better player once he makes his comeback.

"I have no doubt that I'm going to come back much better. I'm convinced. Now I take things with much more perspective; there's nothing I take for granted. I've learned to appreciate every day," Rune said. (as reported by Punto de Break)

He also admitted that he had "rushed things too much" by heading to Stockholm immediately after the conclusion of his 2025 Shanghai Masters campaign.

"I keep asking myself why this happened to me. I can't believe something like this happens because of a single moment of bad luck: you learn to listen to your body. I rushed things too much by returning from Shanghai and flying the next day to play in Stockholm," the Dane added.

Holger Rune discloses "basic advice" he received after Achilles injury and subsequent surgery

Holger Rune during a press conference at the 2024 Bavarian International Tennis Championships (Source: Getty)

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Holger Rune opened up on the advice he received from his well-wishers following his heartbreaking end to the 2025 tennis season. According to the Dane, it was all about taking his time to fully recover before making his comeback.

"I would say the best advice that I’ve gotten so far is a very basic one—about taking your time. When I’m coming back, I’m going to be a beast because there’s no reason for me to come back and not feel ready," Rune told Sports Illustrated.

Rune's attitude during his ongoing rehabilitation has been praised by former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, who termed it 'ideal' on a recent episode of his Served podcast.

Edited by Sudipto Pati