Matteo Berrettini has spoken out strongly in defense of Holger Rune following the Danish player’s devastating Achilles tendon rupture at the Nordic Open. Rune’s injury, sustained during a sprint in his semifinal match against Ugo Humbert on October 18, has sidelined him indefinitely and sparked a wave of commentary—some of which Berrettini found deeply troubling.
Berrettini’s message to critics
Berrettini, who has endured multiple serious injuries himself, took issue with pundits and fans suggesting Rune’s injury might be a “blessing in disguise.” Responding to a post on Instagram, Berrettini wrote:
“To think an injury of this magnitude could be the best thing to happen to a 22-year-old No.11 in the world is either being in bad faith or understanding very little about this sport and sport in general.”
He emphasized that competitive maturity comes through experience, not through physical setbacks, and warned that such injuries can have life-altering consequences.
“This is an injury that can radically change a person’s life, let alone a career at this level,” Berrettini added.
A career shaped by pain
Berrettini’s perspective is grounded in personal experience. His 2025 season was marred by an abdominal injury that forced him to withdraw from Roland Garros, the US Open, and the Canadian Open. He returned in October at the Vienna Open, channeling months of frustration into his comeback.
Over the past four years, Berrettini has battled a right oblique tear, foot and ankle injuries, and wrist surgery. His empathy for Rune stems from understanding the physical and emotional toll of long-term recovery.
Support across the ATP Tour
Berrettini wasn’t alone in calling for compassion. Jack Draper, recovering from a left arm injury, posted on X:
“Injuries are going to happen… we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren’t supposed to in elite sport.”
Taylor Fritz echoed the sentiment, noting the increased physical demands of modern tennis:
“Seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before because balls, courts, conditions have slowed down a lot.”
Ben Shelton also expressed support, writing on Instagram: “Hate to see this 😞 Praying for a speedy recovery @holgerrune🙏.”
Rune’s response and recovery
Following successful surgery on October 21, Rune shared a message of resilience:
“I know it takes patience, but I will work hard in rehab every single day and give everything I have to come back strong.”
Rune had enjoyed a breakout season, winning the Barcelona Open and reaching the final at Indian Wells. His injury is a major setback, but the tennis world has rallied around him, led by Berrettini’s call for empathy and respect.
Holger Rune in 2025
Currently ranked no.10, Rune played his last match on the 18th of October when he had to retire when playing against world no.24 Ugo Humbert in the semifinal and the scoreline was 4-6 2-2 .
Presently, during this year Holger achieved a composed 36-22 win-loss record. This year, Rune won 1 tournament in Barcelona. The Dane was the finalist in Indian Wells.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 27th of October.
ATP Vienna - Matteo Berrettini's projected path
Berrettini in Vienna, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.59, the Italian has a 16-15 win-loss record in 2025. Berrettini is now playing in Vienna where he ousted the world no.48 Alexei Popyrin 7-6(5) 6-3.
Matteo Berrettini will come up against the world no.35 Cameron Norrie in the 2nd round. Their actual record is 2-0 for Berrettini.
Matteo won 10 titles in his career: 6 on clay courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Holger Rune and Matteo Berrettini clashed against each other 5 times. The head to head is 4-1 for Rune.