Veronika Kudermetova ‘Ashamed’ After Holger Rune’s Private Romantic Proposal Revelation: “I Really Wanted to Apologize”

Veronika Kudermetova was greatly ashamed after revealing during an interview how she turned down Holger Rune’s romantic proposal. Back in August last year, Kudermetova, during the interview with former doubles No.1 Elena Vesnina, confessed that she had to tell Rune that she was married to stop him from sending texts.

Kudermetova has been married to tennis coach Sergei Demekhine for eight years. The awkward situation between Rune and Kudermetova made global headlines, with many fans using the anecdote to either criticize him or to simply make fun of him.

To make things worse, WTA ace and Jannik Sinner‘s ex-girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya also made the revelation of Rune sliding into her DMs 10 times. But this did not go down well with the 22-year-old, who clarified himself by saying he was only replying to comments, which Kalinskaya thought was an invitation to a date.

Months afterward, Kudermetova, during her interview with Tatar Russia, admitted that whatever she said about Rune was completely off-camera and was upset that it was included in the podcast. The Russian ace, in fact, was ashamed of inadvertently making Rune a talk of the town.

Actually, I was really upset after that interview and stressed over it for a very long time, because it came out looking ugly and wrong. It was a private conversation with Elena Vesnina while the cameras were being set up before the actual interview — I never thought they would include it. So the story about Rune was completely off-camera. I even specifically asked them to leave that part out. But in the end, the podcast came out, and it turned out quite provocative.

Veronika Kudermetova said

Rune is reportedly dating Caroline Donzella, a Dutch-Italian real estate agent and model. It’s unclear whether they are still in a relationship.

On the other hand, I knew I hadn’t actually said anything wrong. Rune wrote to me, and I replied that I have a husband. We both laughed, and that was the end of it. The problem was that it became public, all the media reported on it, and it turned into this ugly situation. Afterwards, every time I saw Rune at tournaments, I felt so ashamed. I really wanted to go up to him and apologize.

Veronika Kudermetova added

On the WTA tour, Kudermetova was last seen in action at the WTA Finals, where she and doubles partner Elise Mertens defeated Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani in the title clash. Rune last played a match in the semifinal of the 2025 Stockholm Open, where he tore his Achilles tendon.

Holger Rune won’t take his career for granted after the scary injury

The Achilles tendon injury has taught Holger Rune to take his talent seriously. During his interview with Danish channel TV2, Rune said he is confident that he would make a strong comeback.

I have not the slightest doubt. I am sure that I will be much better. And because we now have a longer-term perspective. And because we no longer take anything for granted. In any case, I have started to think about the importance of appreciating each day.

Last year, Rune won just the Barcelona Open by defeating World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz. He also made the final of the Indian Wells Masters but failed to go past Jack Draper.

In Grand Slam events, Rune failed to progress beyond the fourth round, reaching the stage at the Australian Open and the French Open. Rune, in fact, has never reached the semifinal of a Major and made the quarterfinals on three occasions. Because of the injury, Rune is expected to miss the majority of the 2026 season.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka Shares Sympathy for Good Friend Paula Badosa on her Constant Battles with Injuries

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