‘Sport must adapt’, says Draper after Rune injury

After Holger Rune became the most famous player to end his season prematurely, British tennis legend Jack Draper says the tennis calendar needs to be changed.

Rune, a Danish 22-year-old who had already reached the semi-finals of the Nordic Open in Stockholm, was forced to retire with an injury after defeating Frenchman Ugo Humbert by a set.

Aneke, Rune’s mother, later claimed that medical professionals had informed her that her son’s injury was “very bad.”

She continued, “They are undoubtedly certain that it is a torn Achilles tendon, so it’s obviously very bad.” Holger has been completely devastated. They claim to be able to see it with their eyes.

On X, Draper wrote that “injuries are going to happen… we are pushing our bodies to do things in elite sport.”

I’m proud to be a part of the tour because we currently have so many incredible younger men.

After stumbling to his chair, Rune, who was suffering from a hamstring issue at the time of the match, recognized the extent of his injury and was emotional as he underwent treatment.

After jumping to hit a ball at the back of the court, he pulled up in pain, leaving Rune with a serve lead of 6-4, 2 and the match level at 40-40.

Humbert responded, “It wasn’t the way I wanted to win.” I’m so disappointed in Holger, but I’m hoping he’s alright.

I wish him a quick recovery. I’m so sorry for Holger, even though he was playing a little bit better than I was.

After struggling with injuries and illness at last week’s Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic also retired on Saturday after losing the first set of his third-place play-off against Taylor Fritz at the Saudi Arabian exhibition event.

Iga Swiatek, a former world no. 1 for women, complained in September that the China Open is “too long and intense” despite a string of player injuries.

After being forced to retire from her two previous matches due to illness, British number one Emma Raducanu called it quits on Thursday.