Holger Rune's ex-coach speaks out as tearful Dane suffers 'worst thing that can happen'

Holger Rune's former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, has had his say after the world No. 10 suffered the "worst thing that can happen" on a tennis court. Rune picked up an injury during the recent Stockholm Open semi-final and immediately burst into tears, telling the physio that he heard something in his ankle pop.

Rune retired from the match, and his worst fears were confirmed. He soon revealed that he had torn his Achilles tendon, and he's already undergone surgery. While it's a huge blow for the 22-year-old, who is also expected to be sidelined for a large portion of next season, Mouratoglou believes this could be a turning point for the world No. 10.

Speaking in an Instagram reel after Rune successfully had surgery to repair his Achilles, the French tennis coach said: "It's the worst thing that can happen to a professional player.

"But maybe in two years, Holger will think, 'It's the best thing that could have happened to me'. I always say that in the most difficult moments, that's where the most interesting things happen, most of the time.

"He cannot see it now but in a few weeks, after his surgery, his rehab, he's going to open, probably, to some other things that he doesn't have the time to do the rest of the time.

"Because he's fully into his tennis, he's really driven by tennis, he's really obsessed with tennis in a good way. So he doesn't have much time to think, to study, to discover other things, so I think it can be a great moment to reflect."

Rune will now be forced to spend an extended period away from the tennis court. But in Mouratoglou's eyes, it could give him the space he needs to make some "positive changes".

He added: "When the players are in a difficult time, I know their mindset can change a little bit, and that's the moment that you can make some changes that will affect positively their career, immensely.

"When I tell you, I lived it myself, in the very difficult moments, that's where I make the biggest changes, for me."

Rune took to social media earlier this week to confirm that his surgery went well, and he will be keeping fans posted on the long road back.

"Hi everyone. Surgery went really well today. Thank you for all your incredible messages and support. I will keep you updated on my recovery. But now rest and heal," he wrote on Instagram.

Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils and Alexander Bublik were among those who left comments wishing the 22-year-old a speedy recovery.