Holger Rune has had one of the most remarkable returns from injury in recent memory, having torn his Achilles tendon in October last year and been ready to return to action this month.
Alas, whilst the entire tennis world was willing him not to rush into anything before he was ready, the Danish tennis star eventually saw sense.
After discussions with his team, he likely came to the sensible conclusion to withdraw from his proposed return event in Hamburg and Roland Garros.
Holger Rune suffered an injury that, at times, can take just under a year to return to full fitness. Many have criticised the speed at which he has begun practising on court again.
Kim Clijsters, speaking on her Love All podcast, has now offered her thoughts.
Kim Clijsters reacts to Holger Rune’s Roland Garros withdrawal
It’s ironic that the four-time Grand Slam champion should be the one to discuss this topic, considering she actually ruptured her Achilles tendon too, also last October.
That is why she began by stating: I was so surprised and kind of, like, disappointed in myself when I saw that he, you know, entered a clay-court tournament and the French Open.
Are you worried Holger Rune is returning from injury too soon? 😬
“I was like, ‘Wait, how is it possible?’ Like, I’m still kind of, like, just taking little steps on the tennis court, don’t really want to push off yet.”
However, having watched videos of Rune’s rehabilitation training, Clijsters swiftly understood why he had pulled out of these events: “You can still see that he’s not fully pushing off yet, and so I just hope that he’s careful enough.
“Like, I don’t think an extra few weeks here and there is going to make a difference in his career. I think it could make a big difference for his Achilles tendon, so I hope that he’s not rushing it too much or pushing it too fast.
“But again, he’s 20 years younger than I am and probably heals a lot quicker and has his team there with him full-time to keep everything, you know, under control and check everything, and so I’m excited to see him play again, but it’s definitely not easy.”
She is not alone in this view, with others having argued that Rune was taking a big risk, which could have jeopardised his career.
Holger Rune joins long list of big-name Roland Garros withdrawals
Whilst Rune has not played in over six months, his absence will still be felt, as a former world number four and three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist.
However, it will almost certainly not be as hard-hitting as Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Roland Garros, as the defending champion was ruled out due to an ongoing wrist injury.
How worried are you about Carlos Alcaraz’s injury?
Carlos Alcaraz will miss Rome and Roland Garros…
More recently, Lorenzo Musetti was forced to remove himself from the draw too, due to an issue picked up in Rome.
Jack Draper and Arthur Cazaux are two other notable absentees.
