Holger Rune’s First ATP Tour Match Since Achilles Injury Set at Japan Open
After nearly a year sidelined by a torn Achilles tendon, Holger Rune is preparing to compete in his first ATP Tour match since the injury. His comeback began over a week ago during the Davis Cup, where he played impressively for Denmark.
Rune secured wins against Iliyan Radulov and Grigor Dimitrov in Denmark’s tie with Bulgaria. The 23-year-old, once ranked as high as number four globally, now sits at 188th in the ATP rankings. His effort to climb back up starts in Tokyo, at the prestigious Japan Open.
Rune’s Draw at the 2026 Japan Open
- First Round: Faces French player Kyrian Jacquet, marking their first meeting.
- Second Round (if he advances): Potential opponent is either Casper Ruud or Luciano Darderi.
- Quarterfinals: Likely to face Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti, both players Rune has previously defeated.
- Semifinals: Expected clash with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
- Final (possible): Could meet US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe or 20-year-old Rafael Jodar.
This will be Rune’s third appearance at the Japan Open. He reached the semifinals on his debut in 2024 but was narrowly beaten by Arthur Fils. Last year, he made it to the quarterfinals and will be defending 100 ATP points from that run.
Following the Japan Open, Rune faces another challenge at the Shanghai Masters, where he must defend 200 points after reaching the quarterfinals in 2025. Later, at the Stockholm Open—the site of his Achilles injury—he’ll aim to defend 100 points earned from a semifinal finish.
