“He Has the Level for Grand Slams”: Wimbledon Champ Richard Krajicek Backs Holger Rune to Storm Back and Dominate After Injury Nightmare!
Former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek has delivered a ringing endorsement of Holger Rune’s potential, insisting the young Dane possesses the talent to challenge for Grand Slam titles upon his return from a devastating Achilles injury.
The 1996 Wimbledon winner shared his optimistic take in an exclusive interview with Bolavip, conducted around the ABN Amro Open in Rotterdam. Discussing the current landscape of men’s tennis—dominated by stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—Krajicek turned his attention to Rune, who has been sidelined since October 2025 after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during his semifinal match at the Stockholm Open against Ugo Humbert. Leading 6-4, 2-2, Rune was forced to retire in visible pain, marking a heartbreaking end to his season and requiring surgery shortly afterward.
Despite the severity of the setback—an injury notorious for derailing or ending careers—Krajicek expressed strong confidence in Rune’s comeback prospects. “It is not going to be any problem at all for him to come back into the top five and win Grand Slams,” Krajicek stated. “He has the level, and of course it will take a little bit of time, but Holger is an incredibly hard worker, so for me that is not a problem for him at all.”
The Dutch legend, a former world No. 4 who knows firsthand the challenges of long-term injuries from his own recurring shoulder issues during his playing days, didn’t stop at praise. He offered practical advice for Rune’s recovery period: “I actually have one piece of advice for him, which might be the most important one. During his injury, he has to watch a lot of tennis.” Krajicek believes this strategic observation of the game will sharpen Rune’s tactical awareness and help him return even stronger.
Rune, once ranked as high as world No. 4 and hailed as one of the sport’s brightest young talents after breakthrough performances—including deep runs at majors and notable wins over top players—has been absent from the tour throughout early 2026. Updates from the 22-year-old indicate steady progress in rehab, with surgery going well and milestones in his recovery shared via social media. However, no firm return date has been announced, leaving fans eager for his resurgence amid the ongoing dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner.
Krajicek’s backing carries significant weight, given his Grand Slam pedigree and insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level. As Rune continues his road to recovery, the tennis world watches closely—bolstered by the belief from a Wimbledon champion that the Dane’s “nightmare” injury is merely a temporary hurdle on the path to potential greatness and major titles.
