“Sometimes it gets a bit too real” – Holger Rune condemns spreading of false information by parody social media accounts
Holger Rune Slams Parody Accounts for Spreading False Information: “Sometimes It Gets a Bit Too Real”
Holger Rune, the 22-year-old Danish tennis star, has publicly condemned parody social media accounts for spreading false information that he says crosses the line into harmful territory. Speaking at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, Rune expressed frustration over fabricated screenshots and posts, stating, “I like jokes, I like fun… [but] some posts where it looks too real even though it’s super fake, those are not nice. Sometimes
The Context: Deepfake Drama at Cincinnati
Rune’s comments came during a press conference following his first-round match at the Cincinnati Open, where he addressed the growing issue of deepfake social media content. Parody accounts, which often mimic official profiles or create convincing but false screenshots, have targeted Rune with misleading posts that he believes can deceive fans and damage reputations. A specific incident involved a fake screenshot circulating on X, falsely attributed to Rune, which prompted his outspoken response. He urged fans to report such accounts, echoing a similar call he made on July 30, 2025, when he posted, “Too much fake info here on X😏 please do report accounts faking like this.”
Rune emphasized the emotional toll of such misinformation, noting, “It’s not nice when you see stuff that’s completely made up, and people might believe it because it looks so real.” His frustration was amplified by the timing, as he was already navigating a challenging season, ranked No. 16 and coming off a first-round exit at the Canadian Open to Milos Raonic.
On-Court Performance and Off-Court Challenges
At Cincinnati, Rune’s focus was tested not only by the social media controversy but also by a tough draw. He faced a rematch against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the first round, a player he had beaten in straight sets at Wimbledon earlier in 2025. Despite the off-court distractions, Rune remained determined to let his tennis speak, saying, “I’m here to play and focus on my game, not the noise online.” Posts on X from @TennisUpToDate2 and @TennisNow highlighted his stance, with the former quoting his condemnation of parody accounts and the latter noting his call for fans to report fakes.
Broader Implications
Rune’s comments reflect a growing issue in sports, where athletes face the spread of misinformation through sophisticated deepfakes and parody accounts. His plea for fans to report such content underscores the challenge of maintaining authenticity in the digital age. As a young player who has been open about mental health struggles, including hiring a psychologist to cope with the pressures of the ATP Tour, Rune’s sensitivity to false narratives highlights the personal impact of online trolling.
As Rune prepares for the US Open, where he aims to build on his 2024 quarter-final run, his outspokenness signals a resolve to combat distractions and focus on his career trajectory. For more details, check sources like Tennis.com or posts on X from @TennisUpToDate2. If you have a specific article or further context, share it, and I can refine the response!
