Holger Rune experiences leg injury, retires vs. Flavio Cobolli

World no. 9 Holger Rune will not chase back-to-back ATP titles in Spain. On Sunday, the Dane conquered the Barcelona Open over an injured Carlos Alcaraz. Five days later, Rune retired in the second round of the Madrid Masters against Flavio Cobolli.

The Dane’s body could not endure the effort despite having enough time to recover following a stellar week in Barcelona. Holger injured his right leg against Flavio, requiring a medical timeout after the fifth game and calling it a match when the Italian claimed the opener 6-2.

Holger will not lose too many ATP points after falling in the third round of last year’s Madrid Masters. The young gun, who celebrates 22 in four days, will take a rest and try to return to action at Foro Italico in Rome in two weeks.

Both Barcelona finalists now out of Madrid 🤕

Holger Rune retires due to a right quad injury, sending Cobolli through to the third round.#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/R7y8AWU0iL

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 25, 2025

Holger struggled to find the first serve and got broken two times from as many chances offered to his opponent. Cobolli lost nine points in four service games. He denied three break points in the third game of the match and provided a double break in the second part of the set. 

Flavio controlled the pace from the baseline and created a 19-10 buffer. The Italian took a 15-6 advantage in the most extended rallies and conquered the set in that segment. Rune held at love in the second game of the match and generated three break chances in the next one. 

The Dane missed a routine forehand on the first after a 28-stroke exchange, showing the first signs of discomfort. Cobolli denied the remaining two break points and cracked a forehand crosscourt winner for 2-1. Rune secured the fourth game with a service winner after a deuce. 

The Italian held at 15 in the fifth game before his rival asked for a medical timeout on his right leg….