Holger Rune, who is currently recovering from his Achilles injury after undergoing surgery in October last year, has recently shared his thoughts on Lorenzo Musetti’s decision to retire from the Australian Open quarterfinal match against Serbian-Greek legend Novak Djokovic. The Italian star suffered a muscle tear in the third set during his maiden quarterfinal at Melbourne Park, subsequently concluding his Grand Slam run.
Holger Rune Reflects on Lorenzo Musetti’s Correct Call Considering Health and Career
The World No. 16 was last seen in action at the Stockholm Open, where he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during his semifinal round against Ugo Humbert on October 18, 2025. After his injury, he underwent surgery in Denmark and is in rehabilitation, aiming to return to the court later this year.
Being an athlete who himself has suffered the consequences of going the extra mile, Rune recently supported Musetti’s decision to retire from his quarterfinal match after winning two sets.
Through his X post, he added, “Look what happened to me when I pushed through a grade 1 tear in the leg….cost me longer time away from tennis than ever before. Yes we want to fight at any cost and with pain, but I perfectly understand Musetti chose to listen to his body.”
Look what happened to me when I pushed through a grade 1 tear in the leg….cost me longer time away from tennis than ever before. Yes we want to fight at any cost and with pain, but I perfectly understand Musetti chose to listen to his body
— Holger Rune (@holgerrune2003) January 28, 2026
Rune defended Musetti’s decision as a fan shared Musetti’s inability to play further against Djokovic, adding, “Musetti retires way too easily. He doesn’t fight. I may sound harsh, but every player has some minor issues here and there. A GS QF where you are 2-0 up is a situation where you should try to fight and get treatment. He gave up easily; many times he does this. He’s not a fighter.”
The 23-year-old from Carrara, Italy, delivered notable performances during his run at the Australian Open, defeating Raphael Collignon, fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego, Tomáš Macháč in five sets, and then World No. 9 Taylor Fritz. However, his title hopes were crushed by an injury to his upper right leg, which forced him to retire from his third set against Djokovic, ending the match 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
