Kenya Sport

Holger Rune’s First ATP Tour Match Since Achilles Injury Set for Japan Open

After nearly a year sidelined by an Achilles tendon tear, Holger Rune is ready to make his return to the ATP Tour. Just over a week ago, Rune marked his comeback with wins over Iliyan Radulov and Grigor Dimitrov during Denmark’s Davis Cup tie against Bulgaria. Now, the 23-year-old Dane will compete at the Japan Open in Tokyo, his first ATP-level tournament since October 2025.

Rune’s Current Standing and Challenging Draw

Once ranked as high as world No. 4, Rune has slipped to 188th due to his time away from the tour. His climb back up the rankings begins in Tokyo, where the event features a strong field. Rune’s opening match will be against Frenchman Kyrian Jacquet, marking their first encounter on the tour.

If Rune advances, he faces a tough second-round match against either Casper Ruud or Luciano Darderi. Moving into the quarterfinals could pit him against Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti, both players Rune has beaten before. The defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, stands as the likely semifinal opponent if Rune continues to succeed.

Should Rune reach the final, potential opponents include Frances Tiafoe, the recent US Open semifinalist, or rising star Rafael Jodar, aged 20.

Rune’s Past Japan Open Performances and Upcoming Points Defense

This will be Rune’s third appearance at the Japan Open. In 2024, he reached the semifinals but lost narrowly to Arthur Fils. Last year, he made it to the quarterfinals, so he has 100 ATP points to defend this time around.

Following the Japan Open, Rune will need to defend 200 points at the Shanghai Masters, where he was a quarterfinalist in 2025. Additionally, at the Stockholm Open—where he sustained his Achilles injury—he holds 100 points from a semifinal finish to protect.

  • First-round opponent: Kyrian Jacquet (France)
  • Potential second-round opponents: Casper Ruud or Luciano Darderi
  • Possible quarterfinal opponents: Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti
  • Likely semifinal opponent: Carlos Alcaraz (defending champion)
  • Possible final opponents: Frances Tiafoe or Rafael Jodar
  • ATP points to defend: 100 at Japan Open, 200 at Shanghai Masters, 100 at Stockholm Open

Related Articles