Rune Dismisses Gamesmanship Allegations After 'Tactical Medical Timeout'

Sunday, 21 May 2023 at 12:30

Updated at Tuesday, 29 July 2025 at 20:19

byZachary Wimer

Holger Rune was on the ropes against Casper Ruud at the Italian Open, but he came back to win the match in three sets.

It was a very interesting match in Rome between Rune and Ruud, and it didn't disappoint. Fans saw great tennis and also quite a bit of drama. Rune was down 2-4 in the second set with Ruud very close to a victory, but a medical timeout by Rune completely ruined the Norwegian's momentum.

Ruud talked about it after the match, admitting that the medical timeout certainly helped Rune a lot. The Dane went on to win the set 6-4 and then win an impressive third set.

It was the first time Rune beat Ruud, and it meant a lot to him. However, he completely dismissed the narrative that his medical timeout had any tactical reason when asked about it after the match.

"Yeah, I take a medical timeout when I have a problem and when I feel pain. I mean, I do it sometimes because I feel the pain. That's it. I want to get the treatment, that's it. I don't know how to answer that."

Many players have used medical timeouts to shift the momentum of matches in the past. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. However, Rune was adamant that his medical timeout was due to a problem and not to change the momentum. He explained his decision to use one by simply pointing out that it's allowed.

"I think it's allowed. If you feel the pain, why not? I mean, there's ATP physio. You have the opportunity to use him. I know there's certain moments in matches where you probably shouldn't take a medical timeout, where I don't take a medical timeout. I take it when it's in the beginning of the set or somewhere. Mostly when I have a problem."

Ruud wasn't a fan, and he actually proposed a rule change during his press conference. He wants the ATP to implement a rule that prevents players from taking a medical timeout before their opponent's serve.