Steve Johnson questions Holger Rune’s comeback timing after injury

Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images

Steve Johnson questions Holger Rune’s comeback timing after injury

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 2:32 PM ET

Holger Rune is gearing up for a comeback to the ATP Tour, with his return scheduled for May.

The Dane has been sidelined since October after picking up an Achilles injury during the Stockholm Open semi-finals. Surgery followed soon after, and he’s been working on his recovery ever since.

There were high expectations for Rune going into this season. Many saw him as one of the few young players capable of challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but the injury put those plans on hold.

His comeback is set for the Hamburg Open, taking place from May 17 to 23. But not everyone is convinced it’s the right time.

Steve Johnson questions whether Holger Rune’s comeback timeline makes sense

Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Speaking on the Nothing Major Show, Johnson said:

“This is awful,” Johnson, pictured below, said on the Nothing Major Show.

“I am not a doctor, I want this abundantly clear, but seven months from a torn Achilles, I don’t care if it was partially torn. Nobody has ever done it.

“We are seven months, nobody has ever done this.

“We are in a sport where you better use your legs and be full go and believe 100 per cent that you are going to be fine.

“This seems like a bad idea from whoever is giving him this thought to go and play Hamburg.

Querrey then discussed whether or not Holger should still have time on his side at just 22 years old.

Holger Rune sends message ahead of return at Hamburg Open

Rune spoke about his return in a statement published on the Hamburg Open’s official website.

“The hard work starts in Hamburg,” he said. “I can’t wait to be back on clay at the Bitpanda Hamburg Open and to finally experience the atmosphere on-site again after such a long break.”

Rune has slipped to world number 27 during his absence, but he will join a strong field for the event.

Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime are expected to be the top seeds, while Flavio Cobolli, who won last year’s tournament, will be back to defend his title.

The winner of this year’s tournament will receive 500 ATP ranking points and take home €415,140 in prize money.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: