STUTTGART — Danish tennis star Holger Rune was reduced to tears on court at the BOSS Open in Stuttgart on Thursday, forced to retire from his second-round match against Marc-Andrea Hüsler after suffering a frightening ankle injury. The 21-year-old was heard telling his physio, "I heard my ankle pop," in a moment of pure distress that cast a shadow over his Wimbledon preparations.
The incident occurred early in the first set, with the score level at 1-1. Chasing a drop shot from his Swiss opponent, Rune’s right foot appeared to get caught on the grass surface as he lunged forward. He immediately crumpled to the ground, clutching his right ankle and writhing in pain as the crowd fell into a hushed silence.
A Distressing Scene on Grass
The on-court physio and tournament doctor rushed to Rune's aid. For several minutes, the world No. 15 remained on the turf, his face contorted in agony. As medical staff attended to him, the emotional weight of the situation became too much, and Rune was seen openly weeping, wiping tears from his eyes with his wristbands. The distressing scene was a stark contrast to the vibrant, competitive energy he typically brings to the court.
After being helped to his feet, Rune attempted to walk off the court with support, but the pain was too severe. He was eventually transported from the arena in a wheelchair, a sight that will concern his team and fans alike. His mother and coach, Aneke Rune, watched on from the player's box with a look of profound concern.
In a post-match press conference, Rune provided a sobering update, confirming the worst fears. "I felt a sharp pain and a pop in my ankle," he stated. "I knew immediately it was bad. We will do a scan as soon as possible to understand the full extent of the injury."
The Crucial Timing Before Wimbledon
The injury could not have come at a worse time for the young Dane. The grass-court season is notoriously short, and the Stuttgart tournament was a key part of his build-up to Wimbledon, which begins on July 1st. Rune, a former junior champion at the All England Club, is considered one of the few players capable of challenging the established hierarchy on the surface.
His coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, took to social media to express his frustration, writing: "Heartbroken for Holger. He was working so hard and feeling so good on the grass. Life is so unfair sometimes. Now we wait for the scan results and hope for the best."
The immediate concern is a potential syndesmosis injury, often referred to as a high ankle sprain, which involves the ligaments between the tibia and fibula. The "pop" Rune described is often associated with such injuries, which can carry a significant recovery period. The key factors determining his recovery timeline will be the scan results, which will reveal:
- The specific ligaments damaged.
- Whether there is any associated bone bruising or fracture.
- The grade of the sprain, ranging from mild (Grade 1) to a complete tear (Grade 3).
A History of Physical Struggles
This is not the first physical setback Rune has faced in his young career. Throughout the 2023 season, he was plagued by back issues that affected his form and consistency. He has spoken openly about the challenges of managing the physical demands of the tour, making this new ankle problem a particularly bitter pill to swallow after a recent period of improved fitness.
Tennis legend and Eurosport commentator Boris Becker, who has worked with Rune in the past, offered his analysis: "This is a devastating blow for Holger. He moves so well on grass, and his game is perfectly suited for it. To see him in tears shows how much pain he was in and how much he understood the implications for his season."
The Ripple Effect on the ATP Tour
Rune's withdrawal has a direct impact on the tournament draw, propelling Marc-Andrea Hüsler into the quarter-finals. More broadly, his potential absence from the upcoming tournaments in Halle and, most critically, Wimbledon, opens the door for other contenders in a section of the draw that many expected him to influence deeply. His powerful groundstrokes and aggressive returning make him a threat on any surface, but especially on the quick grass.
The ATP Tour has seen its fair share of brutal injuries this season, with players like Carlos Alcaraz also struggling with arm issues. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll and constant injury risk professional athletes face. The specific mechanism of Rune's injury—the sudden stop and change of direction on a low-traction surface like grass—is a common cause of ankle problems in tennis.
Fellow players quickly sent their support on social media. Alexander Zverev, who suffered a similar horrific ankle injury at Roland Garros in 2022, posted: "So sorry to see this, Holger. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope it’s nothing serious."
An Uncertain Road to Recovery
The coming 48 hours will be critical for Holger Rune and his team. The MRI scan will determine the roadmap for his rehabilitation. A best-case scenario of a low-grade sprain could see him back in time for Wimbledon, albeit with limited match practice. A more significant ligament tear, however, could mean weeks, if not months, on the sidelines.
For now, the tennis world holds its breath, waiting for news on one of its most exciting young talents. The image of a tearful Rune being wheeled off the court is a poignant reminder of the fragility of an athlete's career and the fine line between peak performance and a season-derailing injury. His statement concluded on a hopeful note: "I will do everything I can with my team to recover as quickly as possible. Thank you for all the support."
As the grass-court season continues, the question of Rune's participation looms large. His explosive talent and fiery competitiveness will be sorely missed if he is forced to watch from the sidelines, a victim of one ill-fated step on the Stuttgart grass.