Holger Rune suffers injury in unexpected twist against Ugo Humbert at Nordic Open following ball kid interruption
In an unexpected twist during the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Nordic Open, Denmark’s Holger Rune suffered a serious injury while facing France’s Ugo Humbert. The match took place at the Royal Swedish Tennis Hall in Stockholm on October 18, 2025.
Incident Overview
Rune was leading the match, with a score of 6-4, 2-2, and 30-30, when an unusual incident occurred involving a ball kid. Humbert noticed the ball kid move during a point, causing him to float the ball back into play. This interruption led Humbert to believe that a let should have been called.
Rune’s Injury
Following the disruption, Rune, who was already nursing a hamstring issue, prepared for the next point. However, after Humbert served wide to Rune’s backhand, the young Dane stumbled while attempting to retrieve the next shot. He immediately clutched his lower left leg and signaled his inability to continue. In tears, Rune limped off the court and elevated his leg on his racket bag.
Medical Assessment and Reaction
During the medical assessment, Rune reported hearing a pop near his Achilles tendon. He ultimately decided to retire from the match. Humbert expressed his sympathy for Rune in a post-match interview, stating, “I don’t want to talk too much; I feel sorry for Holger.”
Match Outcome and Future Implications
With Rune’s withdrawal, Humbert advanced to the finals. He will face either Casper Ruud from Norway or Denis Shapovalov from Canada in the upcoming match.
Rune’s Season Summary
- Has had a mixed performance at Grand Slam events this season.
- Reached the BNP Paribas Open final in March.
- Won the Barcelona Open title against Carlos Alcaraz in April.
This injury adds a concerning chapter to Rune’s season, as he looks to recover and return to top form.
