Barcelona Open champion Holger Rune was aiming for back-to-back titles in Spain but was forced to withdraw early from the Madrid Masters after just one set. Fresh off his return to the top 10, the Dane entered the tournament with high expectations but saw his campaign cut short against Flavio Cobolli.
Rune retired after dropping the opening set 6-2 in just 43 minutes. He later revealed that he had twisted his right knee during the warm-up, which led to increasing discomfort as the match progressed. Opting to prioritize his health, Rune made the difficult decision to retire and avoid further damage.
The world No. 9 now plans to spend the next ten days recovering, with hopes of being fully fit for the upcoming Rome Masters.
During the match, Rune took a medical timeout after the fifth game but struggled to keep pace with Cobolli’s consistent play. Cobolli dominated his service games, losing only nine points across four games and saving all three break points he faced. Applying constant pressure, Cobolli secured two breaks to close out the set before Rune’s retirement.
Cobolli excelled from the baseline and controlled the longer rallies, while Rune showed early promise but faded as his physical issues worsened.
Rune initially held his serve comfortably in the second game and created three break opportunities at 1-1, but Cobolli fended them off during a grueling 28-shot rally. After a strong service game to level at 2-2, Rune called for medical assistance. The signs of trouble were evident soon after, as Rune’s forehand errors allowed Cobolli to pull ahead.
Cobolli consolidated his lead with a gritty hold in the seventh game and broke Rune again to clinch the set 6-2. Rune then announced his decision to retire.
“Unfortunately, I twisted my knee slightly during warm-up and felt it throughout the match,” Rune shared. “Stopping was the smartest decision, even though I was excited to continue my positive run in Spain. See you next year, Madrid!”
Related Topics:
- Holger Rune
- Madrid Masters
- Flavio Cobolli
