Holger Rune explains his Madrid Masters withdrawal

Barcelona Open champion Holger Rune could not chase back-to-back titles in Spain. Returning to the top-10 and gathering a boost, the Dane entered the Madrid Masters with high hopes. However, his campaign ended after only one set!

Holger experienced an injured and retired against Flavio Cobolli after dropping the opener 6-2 in 43 minutes. Explaining his setback, Rune mentioned a little twist in his right knee during the warm-up.

He felt discomfort as the opening set went on and decided to stop and terminate the damage after losing the first part of the match 6-2. The Dane will use the next ten days to recover and enter the Rome Masters injury-free.

An unfortunate ending 💔@cobollifla advances as Holger retires after a 6-2 opening set.#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/5oz32Ydzb2

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 25, 2025

World no. 9 required a medical timeout after the fifth game. However, he could not match Flavio’s level, falling behind and terminating his struggle ahead of more notable events in the following weeks. Cobolli lost nine points in four service games.

He denied all three break points and pressured his opponent. Flavio clinched a double break in the second part of the set and moved over the top when his opponent retired. Cobolli had the upper hand from the baseline and in the most extended exchanges. 

Holger made a strong start, providing a fine hold in the second game and generating those three break chances at 1-1. He squandered the first after a 28-shot rally and showed signs of physical issues. Flavio saved all three break points and kept his initial shot intact.

The Dane locked the result at 2-2 with a service winner in the fourth game and asked for the medical timeout after the next one. Rune sprayed errors at 2-3, netting a forehand and falling behind. The Italian held in the seventh game after deuces and cemented the lead.

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