Holger Rune’s Olympic Games debut at risk after huge injury scare
Danish No 1 Holger Rune could be a significant injury doubt for the upcoming Olympic Games after retiring injured in his Hamburg Open quarter-final.
The world No 17 was forced to retire at 6-4, 4-1 down in his last eight match versus Arthur Fils, who now finds himself in the Hamburg semi-final for a second straight year.
Rune, 21, looked uncomfortable throughout the contest after an encouraging opening two matches at the ATP 500 event, having beaten Fabian Marozsan and Marco Trungelliti in straight sets.
Taking to Instagram in the aftermath of the retirement, the former world No 4 explained that he had been dealing with a knee issue after an incident in his round one victory over Marozsan.
He wrote: “So sorry guys. My knee had caused problems since the incident in the first match. Yesterday was bad. Today I tried but it wasn’t good.”
The injury will cast doubt on whether Rune will be fit enough to play in Paris, with action at the Olympic tennis event starting on Saturday 27th July.
The 21-year-old is set to make his Games debut after missing out on competing in the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games three years ago, and – despite recent struggles with form – will likely be a medal contender if he can play.
Rune is scheduled to play in the men’s singles and has also expressed hopes of playing alongside compatriot and former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the mixed doubles competition.
He is ranked as a decent outside bet for the men’s title with most of the best tennis betting sites, and speaking to InsideSport earlier this week in Hamburg, the 21-year-old expressed optimism about his chances in Paris.
“I am very confident – I feel like I can do it,” he said.
“I believe in myself and I am sure there will be many Danish fans to support not only me but all the Danish athletes.
“I think we are going to do well, and we are not only good in tennis but in a lot of sports, so I am sure Denmark can get some medals.
“I’m going to focus on doing my job and bring some medals back to Denmark.”
Men’s singles action at Roland Garros – where Rune has twice reached the French Open quarter-final – will start across the opening weekend of the Games, with the mixed competition starting later into the week.
Read More
Tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games: Full schedule details revealed
Alexander Zverev makes ‘best players’ comment in Olympic Games dig
The 7 countries to win multiple tennis Olympic Gold medals in Open Era: USA out in front
