Fritz and Draper Slam ATP Schedule After Rune’s Achilles Injury

A dark cloud hangs over the ATP Tour after Holger Rune suffered a devastating injury during his semifinal match in Stockholm. The Dane, who looked poised to reach his first final since April, collapsed mid-point against Ugo Humbert while leading by a set and tied at 2–2 in the second.

The 22-year-old felt a pop in his leg and told the physio before retiring from the match. It was devastating for Rune, who was entering his favourite indoor stretch of the season.

Everyone’s Worst Fear Confirmed

A day later, Rune confirmed the severity of the injury on social media, revealing that his Achilles tendon was completely ruptured and that surgery is already scheduled for next week.

“It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again. It’s tough. I had so much joy on court in Stockholm and it’s unbearable to think that I will not feel this energy for some time now. My Achilles is fully broken on the proximal part, meaning I need an operation already next week and from here rehabilitation. Thank you for all your support now and always. Without you nothing would be the same. See you as soon as possible.”

A full Achilles tear typically requires surgery followed by at least 8–12 months of rehabilitation before an athlete can return to high-intensity competition — meaning Rune could miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season.

Draper and Fritz Call Out Brutal Tour Schedule

Rune’s injury has reignited discussion around the grueling ATP calendar. Jack Draper, who himself ended his season early after the US Open due to physical struggles, spoke candidly on social media about the toll the tour takes on players’ bodies.

“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 a part of that, however, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are gonna achieve some sort of longevity….”

World No. 4 Taylor Fritz echoed Draper’s frustration, responding:

“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.”

This isn’t the first time players have voiced concern over the punishing 11-month season. Earlier this month, Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew from Shanghai after spraining his ankle in Tokyo, urged officials to consider reforms.

“I think that the schedule is really tight. They have to do something with the schedule. There are too many mandatory tournaments, too many in a row. To be honest, I have to consider in the future if I have to skip some mandatory tournaments just to maintain my physical condition and good shape.”

The Breaking Point of a Packed Season

As the season nears its end, Rune’s setback serves as another stark reminder of the physical demands facing modern players — and the growing call for change from within the locker room.

With advancements in technology and sports science, one might expect careers and player longevity to improve, as showcased by the Big Three. But with the tour continuing to expand, adding mandatory events, stretching Masters tournaments to two weeks, and packing the calendar across nearly 11 months, players’ bodies may soon reach a tipping point where physical strain outweighs scientific progress.

Unfortunately, as seen with Holger Rune’s Achilles heartbreak in Stockholm, that breaking point may have already begun — and unless something changes, more players could soon pay the price.