World number 11 Holger Rune became the latest high-profile tennis player to have his season ended prematurely after suffering an injury at the Nordic Open in Stockholm.
The Danish 22-year-old, set to return to the top 10 after reaching the semi-finals at the ATP 250 event, was forced to retire when leading Frenchman Ugo Humbert by a set.
His mother, Aneke Rune, later told Danish newspaper BT that she had been informed by medical staff that her son’s injury was “very bad”.
She said: “They are completely sure that it is a torn Achilles tendon, so it’s of course very bad. Holger is, of course, completely devastated.
“They say they can see it with the naked eye.”
Rune, nursing a hamstring issue coming into the match, appeared instantly aware of the severity of his injury and was emotional as he received treatment after hobbling to his chair.
He had pulled up in pain after jumping to hit a ball at the back of the court, with the game level at 40-40 on Humbert’s serve and Rune leading 6-4 2-2.
Humbert said: “It was not the way I wanted to win. I’m super disappointed for Holger, I hope he is going to be OK.
“I wish him a speedy recovery. It was a great match, he was playing a little bit better than me, but I’m really sorry for Holger.”
