It seemed that Holger Rune will easily cruise into the 2023 Rotterdam Open quarterfinals, but he was stopped by an injury.
In the first round of the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam, the young Dane defeated qualifier Constant Lestienne. In the second round, he took on home player Gijs Brouwer, who received a main draw wild card after Gael Monfils, who was supposed to receive a wild card, withdrew from the event.
Previously, the Dutch crowd showed that they can push their player far, as Tallon Griekspoor stunned Alexander Zverev last night. On Thursday, they wanted to do the same with Brouwer.
Everything started well for Rune as he broke his opponent early on and led 4-2 in the first set. Moreover, he had a break point in the seventh game, but he couldn't use his chance and it proved to be a turning point in the match.
The world no. 9 would then lose all the remaining games in the match, as he started to struggle with an injury. Brouwer broke his opponent twice and won the first set 6-4 and he didn't stop in the second.
After Brouwer broke Rune again, the Dane requested a medical time out, as he appeared to be struggling with a right wrist injury. After a short treatment, Rune continued, but after yet another break, he walked towards his opponent, announcing that he is not able to continue.
In the next round, Brouwer will meet Griekspoor in an all-Dutch quarterfinal in Rotterdam. On the other hand, Rune will want to recover in time for the 2023 Marseille Open, as he leads the entry list for the event.