Holger Rune to return in Hamburg after seven-month Achilles injury

Danish tennis star Holger Rune will make his comeback at the ATP 500 Hamburg Open in mid-May, seven months after rupturing his Achilles tendon, the tournament announced Wednesday.

The 21-year-old has not played competitively since October, when he suffered the injury during a match at the Stockholm Open. Following surgery and an intensive rehabilitation process, Rune is now cleared to return to professional tennis.

“I can’t wait to be back on the clay at the Bitpanda Hamburg Open and finally experience the atmosphere on court again after such a long break,” Rune said in a statement released by the tournament. “The hard work starts in Hamburg.”

Rune’s injury occurred on October 18 during the ATP 250 event in Stockholm, sidelining him for what experts initially estimated would be at least six months. During his absence, his world ranking has dropped to No. 29, but his return will allow him to resume his pursuit of ranking points.

Turnament director Enric Molina Mur expressed enthusiasm for Rune’s choice of Hamburg as his comeback venue. “We are very happy that Holger Rune is making his comeback with us in Hamburg,” Molina Mur said. “I know how much work Holger has put into this intensive rehabilitation period, and we feel very honored that he has chosen the Bitpanda Hamburg Open to return to the tour.”

Molina Mur added that he expects Rune to experience the “special atmosphere” at Rothenbaum Stadium, both from local fans and the many Danish supporters expected to travel for the event.