Holger Rune’s heartbreaking exit from the 2025 Stockholm Open after suffering a severe-looking foot injury has sparked an outpouring of concern from fellow players, with Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz leading the charge. The two ATP stars voiced frustration over the grueling nature of the tennis calendar, warning that the unrelenting physical toll on players is pushing the sport to its breaking point.
Holger Rune’s Stockholm Open Semifinal Ends in Heartbreaking Injury
Rune was in the midst of a strong semifinal showing against France’s Ugo Humbert when disaster struck. The top-seeded Dane, who led 6-4, 2-2, collapsed mid-rally while lunging for a deep shot and immediately grabbed his leg in agony.
He was seen in tears as he limped toward his bench, and despite receiving on-court medical treatment, he was forced to retire moments later to a standing ovation from the Stockholm crowd. According to multiple reports, Rune told the physiotherapist he heard a “pop” near his Achilles tendon, raising fears of a potentially serious injury.
Not the ending anybody wanted 😔
Humbert progresses to the final as Rune retires due to injury at 6-4 2-2#BNPParibasNordicOpen pic.twitter.com/ptMV9ZkC4S
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 18, 2025
Why Are Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz Raising Concerns About the ATP Calendar?
The incident quickly reignited a long-standing debate about the ATP Tour’s demanding schedule and its impact on player health. World No. 9 Draper, who is currently away from the tour due to a season-ending injury, took to X to call for reform, saying the tour’s structure leaves little room for recovery or sustainability.
“Injuries are going to happen… we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren’t supposed to in elite sport,” Draper wrote. “We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now and I’m proud to be apart of that, however, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are gonna achieve some sort of longevity….”
Injuries are going to happen… we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren’t supposed to in elite sport. We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now and I’m proud to be apart of that, however, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are gonna…
— jack draper (@jackdraper0) October 18, 2025
American star Fritz echoed Draper’s concerns, replying directly to his post with a candid take on the evolving physical demands of the modern game.
MORE: What Happened to Holger Rune? Tears and Horrific Scenes As Dane Leaves Stockholm Match Midway
“Facts,” Fritz wrote. “Also seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before because balls, courts, conditions have slowed down a lot making the weekly grind even more physically demanding and tough on the body.”
Facts, also seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before because balls, courts, conditions have slowed down a lot making the weekly grind even more physically demanding and tough on the body.
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) October 18, 2025
Draper’s 2025 season came to an early and unfortunate end after he suffered a left arm injury that forced him to withdraw from the US Open in September. The British No. 1 announced on September 8, 2025, that he would sit out the remainder of the season after scans revealed bone bruising in his left humerus.
