Mouratoglou: “For Holger, this terrible injury could become a turning point”
Following Holger Rune’s devastating Achilles tendon rupture in Stockholm, former coach Patrick Mouratoglou believes the young Dane can transform the setback into an opportunity for growth.
Holger Rune with Patrick Mouratoglou, Indian Wells 2024 – © Antoine Couvercelle / Psnewz
Patrick Mouratoglou has shared his thoughts on Holger Rune’s devastating injury at the Stockholm Open on his LinkedIn account, suggesting that what now feels like a career disaster could, in time, become a major turning point for the young Dane.
Rune, 22, suffered a torn Achilles tendon during his semifinal match in Stockholm against Ugo Humbert, collapsing in tears as he instantly realised the seriousness of the injury. The world No. 10 underwent surgery shortly afterwards and faces a lengthy recovery, likely ruling him out for much of the 2026 season.
“What happened to Holger is terrible,” Mouratoglou said. “But maybe in two years, he’ll look back and say: ‘That was the best thing that ever happened to me.’”
Mouratoglou, who coached Rune between 2022 and 2023 and guided him to the world No. 4 ranking, reflected on the psychological impact such a setback can bring.
It’s in the toughest moments that the most important transformations happen
“When something breaks, it’s not just your body that stops. It’s your whole world,” he explained. “Your life suddenly feels empty, because everything you’ve worked for, competing, winning, improving, is gone in a second.”
Despite the bleak moment, the French coach believes this enforced pause could help Rune rediscover perspective.
“I’ve always said: it’s in the toughest moments that the most important transformations happen,” Mouratoglou continued. “Holger is young, incredibly driven, and obsessed with tennis, in a good way. This time off will force him to slow down, to look at things differently, to work on parts of his game and mindset that often get neglected when you’re always on tour.”
