Holger Rune’s Mom Lashes Out at Danish Authorities Amid War in Middle East: “We Want to Leave”

Holger Rune is doing his rehab in Doha and also attended a few matches during the ATP 500 Qatar Open.

Holger Rune’s Mom Lashes Out at Danish Authorities Amid War in Middle East: “We Want to Leave”

Holger Rune, Aneke Rune (Image via X/ESPN Tenis)

In Short
  • Holger Rune's mother criticized the Danish authorities for failing to evacuate citizens stranded in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflict.
  • Rune is currently in Qatar recovering from Achilles tendon surgery and is uncertain about his return to professional tennis.
  • The recent military actions in the region have escalated tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, impacting many individuals, including athletes.

Holger Rune, like several tennis players, is left stranded in the Middle East, where the US and Israel are fighting against Iran. The two allies launched an attack on Iran for the first time on Saturday, and killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

This happened following failed talks between the US and Iran about the latter’s disagreement over a new deal about its nuclear programme. As per US President Donald Trump, the main aim of the strikes was never to allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon, claiming that it would be a threat to America, and because of this, the operation aims to obliterate Iran’s missile industry. Iran also retaliated, targeting the bases of both countries across the Middle East. Some of these countries are Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait.

Rune, who tore his Achilles tendon during the semifinals of the 2025 Stockholm Open, underwent surgery and is in Qatar for his rehabilitation. Amidst the turmoil, Rune’s mom, Aneke Rune, criticized the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accusing them of failing to evacuate Danish citizens stuck in the Middle East. She told BT:

We want to leave. But we still haven’t heard anything from Denmark. It’s disappointingly poor. Either we are completely paralyzed in our country, or they are just pissed off with their citizens. I think the latter.

The Middle East Swing ended following the conclusion of the men’s Dubai Tennis Championships. Carlos Alcaraz won the Qatar Open, while Daniil Medvedev clinched the Dubai event.

What the hell are we doing? This is a huge call to Denmark. I think our government must have a pig here, because they can kill mink in 24 hours, introduce bans and find taxes just as quickly, but they can’t show their creativity when it comes to getting Danish citizens home.

Aneke Rune added

Rune regularly gives updates about his injury, though it’s uncertain when he will make his comeback.

Holger Rune on whether he can make his return at the French Open

Holger Rune has made it clear that he is unsure exactly when he will return to the tour. During his interview with CNN, Rune was asked whether he thinks it’s possible for him to play at the French Open, which starts in May.

Holger Rune
Holger Rune (Image via Holger Rune HQ)

The injury, most studies are on, you know, 50-year-old men who don’t do surgery, who don’t do rehab. So obviously it’s going to take a while if you don’t do all of that, but I did surgery, I do all my rehab, so it can go away faster. There are athletes who came back after three and a half months, which is crazy. And I’m trying to come back as fast and safe as possible, but I hope to be back, you know, as soon as I can.

At the French Open, the 22-year-old has made the quarterfinals twice: in 2022 and 2023, losing to eventual runner-up Casper Ruud both times. Rune has made another Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2023 Wimbledon, losing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Last year, the Dane made two fourth rounds in the Majors. At the French Open last year, Rune lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round. Rune, who reached a career-best No.4 ranking in 2023, currently stands in the No.18th spot.

So far in his career, Rune has clinched one Masters 1000 title- the 2022 Paris Masters by defeating Novak Djokovic. He has also made three more Masters 1000 finals, last reaching the stage in last year’s Indian Wells Masters, losing to Jack Draper.

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