Holger Rune’s First ATP Tour Match Since Achilles Injury Set at Japan Open

Holger Rune is preparing for his first ATP Tour match since suffering a torn Achilles tendon, with the Japan Open draw now confirmed. After returning successfully at the Davis Cup just over a week ago, Rune is ready to step back into regular tour competition.

The 23-year-old Dane spent nearly a year sidelined but showed promising form during Denmark's Davis Cup tie against Bulgaria by defeating both Iliyan Radulov and Grigor Dimitrov. Rune’s last appearance on the ATP Tour was at the Stockholm Open in October 2025.

Once ranked as high as fourth worldwide, Rune’s ranking has dropped to 188th due to his injury layoff. His attempt to climb the rankings will restart in Tokyo, where the Japan Open features a strong field.

Rune’s Draw at the 2026 Japan Open

Rune will face French player Kyrian Jacquet in his opening match, marking their first meeting. If Rune advances, he will meet either Casper Ruud or Luciano Darderi in round two.

A quarterfinal appearance could pit Rune against Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti, both of whom he has previously defeated. Should Rune progress further, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is the most likely semifinal opponent.

If Rune reaches the final, potential opponents include US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe or rising star Rafael Jodar, aged 20.

Past Performances and Ranking Points to Defend

This will be Rune’s third time competing at the Japan Open. He reached the semifinals in his 2024 debut, narrowly losing to Arthur Fils, and made it to the quarterfinals last year. As a result, he must defend 100 ATP points at this tournament.

Following Tokyo, Rune faces a challenge at the Shanghai Masters, where he earned 200 points from a quarterfinal finish in 2025. Later, at the Stockholm Open—the event where he suffered his Achilles injury—he will need to defend 100 points earned by reaching the semifinals.

• First round: vs Kyrian Jacquet (first meeting)
• Second round potential opponents: Casper Ruud or Luciano Darderi
• Quarterfinal potential opponents: Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti
• Semifinal possible opponent: Carlos Alcaraz (defending champion)
• Final potential opponents: Frances Tiafoe or Rafael Jodar