Holger Rune Seeks Inspiration from Soccer Star as Achilles Injury Recovery Continues

It’s that dreaded “pop” that no athlete ever wants to hear. In October 2025, during the Stockholm Open, that sound became a reality for Holger Rune. An Achilles tendon rupture is often called a career-killer, or at the very least, a career-pauser.

But if there is one thing the fans know about the young Dane, it’s that he doesn’t do things the “normal” way. Now four months into recovery, Rune has given a few details about the situation. The current Barcelona Open champion even said that he received a phone call from a soccer player, who said that this injury took him four months to recover. Rune said in an interview with ATP Tour:

A soccer player contacted me. He had the same injury and came back after four months . There are strict guidelines and you can’t skip steps. I’m strong and young, so I think I’ll recover quickly, but it requires hard and smart work.

Rune is currently turning heads in the medical and tennis worlds alike. Instead of accepting a 12-month hiatus, he is eyeing a return that seems almost impossible on paper.

The moment everything changed for Holger Rune

It happened in Stockholm, a place where Holger Rune had previously lifted trophies. One wrong step, and suddenly the 22-year-old was facing surgery rather than a quarterfinal match. The diagnosis was severe: a full rupture. He added:

I’ve received good messages from many players. Although we’re competitors, we’re teammates and we want what’s best for each other. Sometimes I push myself too hard, and that was too much for my body. In the future, I’ll try to see the bigger picture, not just the next goal, to see how I feel physically and mentally.

For most players, this is the moment despair sets in. The Achilles is crucial for the explosive movements required in modern tennis—the sliding, sprinting, and sudden stops. But Rune wasted no time. He went under the knife immediately, opting for a surgical route that experts say is the only way for an elite athlete to bounce back quickly.

The surgery was a success, but the real battle was mental. The initial weeks involved a cast and total immobilization. For a player known for his fiery energy and aggressive style, sitting still in November must have felt like torture.

When will the fans see Holger Rune back on court?

If his progress in February holds steady, a return during the clay season—Rune’s favorite surface—is looking increasingly likely. The fans could see him sliding on the red dirt by late spring or early summer 2026.

This would be a massive boost for the ATP Tour. Rune brings a specific brand of electricity and rivalry that the sport needs. His comeback wouldn’t just be about him playing again; it would be about shaking up the hierarchy and challenging the top dogs once more.

In December 2025, just weeks out of surgery, Rune was already holding a racquet. He couldn’t stand, so he hit balls while sitting down or balancing delicately on his good leg. It was a clear signal to the tour: he wasn’t going anywhere. Now, there are reports that Rune was hitting on two legs again.

Also Read: Emma Raducanu Acknowledges Her Imperfect Early 2026 Season Form

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW