Holger Rune’s return to the practice court — even in a limited capacity — has sparked optimism among fans and analysts who have closely followed his recovery journey. The sight of the young Dane striking controlled forehands and backhands marks an important milestone just weeks after undergoing surgery for the injury he sustained during the Stockholm Open.However, despite the promising footage, experts caution that Rune’s road back to full fitness will require patience.

Given the severity of the injury and the surgical intervention that followed, a careful and gradual rehabilitation process is expected. With timelines still uncertain, many believe Rune may remain away from the competitive circuit for several months as he prioritizes healing, conditioning, and strength rebuilding to avoid long-term complications.

For now, the practice clips serve as an encouraging reminder that progress is underway — a small but meaningful step toward Rune eventually returning to the ATP Tour and reclaiming his place among the sport’s rising elite.

In all likelihood, the earliest Rune could return to competitive action is sometime in the second half of the 2026 season, given the extensive recovery and conditioning required after an Achilles injury. While his rehabilitation is progressing steadily, experts caution that returning too soon could risk reinjury and jeopardize his long-term career.Recently, Rune reflected on the incident and suggested that his Stockholm setback may have been rooted in accumulated physical fatigue.

The Dane admitted that a demanding calendar, coupled with limited recovery windows, may have placed excessive strain on his body leading into the event. His comments have reignited ongoing discussions within the tennis community about scheduling intensity, athlete workload, and the increasing physical demands of the modern game.

“We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to listen to their bodies” – Holger Rune urges caution for sports industry after Achilles injury nightmare

In a recent interview with Hard Court, Holger Rune suggested that physical fatigue played a major role in the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered at the 2025 Stockholm Open. Rune, along with several other players across both the ATP and WTA Tours, has been openly critical of the increasingly demanding tennis calendar in recent years. The 22-year-old believes the congested schedule, paired with limited recovery windows, creates a heightened risk of serious injuries — especially for younger players still adapting to the physical toll of elite-level tennis.

Rune also urged governing bodies across other professional sports to pay close attention to his situation, stating:

We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to listen to their bodies, but it’s really difficult when you love tennis so much, the competition, the game, the tournaments, and every single fan who comes to the stadium.”