‘I would have gone crazy’ – Holger Rune warned of dire consequences for WTA star as he returns to tennis court after horrific injury

Holger Rune recently shared a major injury update with fans, returning to the tennis court just four weeks after undergoing surgery for his ruptured Achilles. However, former WTA world number 20 Daria Saville has warned the Dane of the dire consequences of excessive rehabilitation.

Rune injured his ankle during the Nordic Open in October. The world No. 15 was leading Ugo Humbert during their semi-final clash of the event when he suddenly collapsed in pain, clutching his ankle. He then withdrew from the match and tests later revealed that the tennis star had torn his Achilles tendon at the proximal end. Rune underwent surgery shortly after.

A little less than four weeks after his operation, Holger Rune gave an update on his major injury. In one video, the tennis star can be seen playing on the courts while balancing on one leg. In response to this video, Daria Saville warned the 22-year-old against “rehabilitation burnout” by writing on X:

“As someone who’s had two ACL recesses and Achilles surgery, if I had pushed that hard so early in rehab (return to play), I would have gone crazy. I think Holger is built differently, but I don’t know…I know burnout in rehab all too well.”

Holger Rune reflects on the ‘main thing’ that contributed to his devastating injury

Holger Rune’s ruptured Achilles has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The Dane has established himself as a rising star in the sport in recent years and his sudden injury has sparked concern among fans and players.

In a recent interview with ‘Hard Court’, the 22-year-old said he was ‘very healthy’ before his injury, saying:

“Honestly, I think my injury was a shock to many tennis players and athletes because I never had an ankle problem and my body was very healthy. So this wasn’t supposed to happen, this shouldn’t be possible. I’m 22 years old, healthy and strong, and yet it happened.”

Rune went on to point out that fatigue could have played a major role in his injury, explaining:

“I don’t believe in being ‘unlucky’ or having ‘bad luck’ in sports. Everything happens for a reason, and there’s an explanation behind everything. So the main thing that could have caused this injury is fatigue, and that’s very scary for the entire sports industry.”

Holger Rune injured his Achilles tendon at the end of October. After undergoing surgery, the Dane’s timetable for return to action remains uncertain, but the tennis star is likely hoping to return to the courts in the second half of the 2026 season.