The current state of tennis has been criticised by some players following the news that Holger Rune sustained an Achilles injury.
The Danish world no. 10 picked up the injury during his semi-final appearance against Ugo Humbert at the 2025 Nordic Open on Saturday (October 18).
The 22-year-old, who was carrying a hamstring injury heading into the event, won the opening set of the last-four contest 6-4, but had to retire at 2-2 in the second set.
Rune was looking to have a strong end to the season so that he could potentially qualify for the year-end ATP Finals event in Turin.
However, the Dane’s season is now over and he confirmed on social media that he will undergo surgery due to his Achilles being “fully broken on the proximal part.”
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The player is expected to be on the sidelines for many months as a result and is likely to miss a large chunk of the 2026 season.
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Many other players have shut down for the 2025 season due to injury or fatigue-related issues, such as Emma Raducanu, Jack Draper, Frances Tiafoe, Daria Kasatkina and Elina Svitolina.
Tennis players criticise current state of the sport
One factor that is constantly brought up when discussing the cause of injuries in tennis recently is the busy schedule which players must adhere to.
The world’s best players including Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz have spoken out against the high number of events which players are required to enter.
British no. 1 Draper is among the critics, suggesting that players such as Rune are picking up severe injuries as a result of too many matches being played.
“Injuries are going to happen. We are pushing our bodies to do things they aren’t supposed to in elite sport,” he posted on X.
The world no. 9, who ended his season last month due to a persistent arm issue, believes drastic change is needed in tennis if players are to remain healthy.
“We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
“However, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are going to achieve some sort of longevity.”
American star Taylor Fritz replied to Draper’s post, bringing up some of the other factors contributing to tennis players not being healthy enough.
“Seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before because balls, courts, conditions have slowed down a lot, making the weekly grind even more physically demanding and tough on the body.”
With plenty of pressure from the players now, the ATP and WTA could potentially be forced to follow up on Draper’s request and make changes to the tennis calendar so that players remain in better condition.
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