Danish tennis sensation Holger Rune's hopes at the Nordic Open were brutally cut short on Friday as a debilitating Achilles injury forced him to retire during his quarter-final clash against defending champion Andrey Rublev.
The world number 15 had been battling the persistent issue throughout the tournament but reached his breaking point while trailing 4-1 in the first set against the formidable Russian.
Painful Exit for Danish Star
Rune's departure from the court was visibly distressing as he received medical treatment during the changeover before making the difficult decision to withdraw from the match. The young Dane had shown signs of discomfort in his previous victory over Thiago Seyboth Wild, where he required medical attention and struggled with his movement.
"It's really a shame," Rune confessed to reporters after the match. "I felt it from the first match and it got progressively worse. Today, I couldn't push off properly on my serve or move side to side. There was no point continuing."
Tournament Struggles Continue
This latest setback adds to Rune's challenging season, which has seen the former world number 7 struggle to maintain consistency. The Nordic Open marked his first tournament since parting ways with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, adding another layer of disruption to his campaign.
Russian opponent Andrey Rublev now advances to the semi-finals as he continues his title defence in Bastad. The top seed will face either Swiss player Leandro Riedi or Argentine Federico Coria in the next round.
Injury Concerns Mounting
The tennis world now waits anxiously for updates on Rune's condition, with the North American hardcourt season and US Open looming large on the calendar. Achilles injuries can be particularly troublesome for tennis players, requiring careful management and significant recovery time.
Rune's team has yet to announce a timeline for his return, leaving fans and analysts wondering how this latest physical setback might affect the remainder of his 2024 season.
