“I think it’s dangerous for the players”: Holger Rune criticises surface used at Rome Open despite second-round win
Holger Rune, the world No. 10 from Denmark, voiced strong concerns about the clay court conditions at the 2025 Italian Open’s new SuperTennis Arena, labeling them “dangerous” and “not playable” despite his second-round victory over Argentina’s Francisco Comesana on May 9. Rune battled through a challenging 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win, saving 18 breakpoints and hitting 44 winners in a two-hour, 45-minute match. However, his post-match comments focused on the court’s poor quality, which he believes poses a significant injury risk, especially with the French Open looming.
“I found the conditions very difficult on this court. It’s a new court – it was very tough to move,” Rune said, as quoted by Tennisnow.com. “I think it’s dangerous for the players, honestly, to play on this court.” Drawing from his experience in Denmark, where early-season clay courts can be subpar, he added, “I honestly think it’s not playable. In Denmark, we really know what not-ready clay looks like, trust me.” Rune highlighted the court’s uneven surface, filled with holes, which hindered movement and raised safety concerns, particularly after his recent right leg injury forced a retirement at the Madrid Open. Posts on X, such as @Tennis_Now, amplified his critique, noting his frustration with the “bad clay.”
Despite the conditions, Rune praised Comesana’s “phenomenal tennis” and expressed satisfaction with his own physical resilience, having not played many long matches this clay season. His win, which included a comeback after dropping the first set, marked his seventh victory in Rome, where he reached the 2023 final. However, he urged organizers to address the court issues, stating, “It is before the French Open, and we don’t want to risk injuries.” Fans on X, like @SeivwrightTrudy, echoed his concerns, noting his worry about ankle injuries.
Rune’s outspokenness aligns with his history of calling out unsafe conditions, such as court covers at the 2022 French Open. As he prepares to face Corentin Moutet in the third round, Rune hopes for a safer court, emphasizing player safety over competitive demands. His critique has sparked debate, with some X users questioning if other players share his view, while others support his candor.
