Danish star Holger Rune allayed fears of missing this year's US Open after picking up a back injury during his second-round match at the Cincinnati Masters.
The Next Gen sensation was trailing American wild card Mackenzie McDonald 4-6, 0-2, when he pulled the trigger on the match and elected to retire. He struggled with mobility and his serve throughout the match and took a precautionary step to retire with the US Open just around the corner.
Rune faced an anxious wait on Friday when he underwent scans and had an x-ray done. There was a coordinated effort of his doctors back in Monaco plus those in the US giving him much-needed treatment to ensure he is back on the courts in time for the US Open.
Thankfully for Rune, it looks like the injury is not as bad as first feared. He shared an update on X and it was all positive, acknowledging the doctors' efforts while at the same time noting an improvement in the injury. The 20-year-old expects to resume practice on Monday, which is a week before the US Open.
"Short update. Small improvements on the back pain. Scan, X-ray, treatment and excellent teamwork between doctors in New York and Monaco and my team making me sure that I will be ready for practice on Monday. Grateful for everyone taking action."
Rune recently cracked the world's Top 5 on the ATP Tour as he continues his ascent towards his ultimate goal - being No. 1. He became the fourth-youngest man to accomplish that feat after a fine first half of the campaign saw him advance to three finals, winning one title.
But in less positive news, he'll head to this year's final Grand Slam without a win in any of his last five matches. His last win on hard courts dates back to late March, beating Diego Schwartzman in Miami.