Holger Rune reveals insights into the back injury responsible for his performance setbacks.

Denmark’s tennis star Holger Rune has revealed the reason behind how he has suffered from fitness concerns in the recent past.

The 20-year-old struggled in the later phase of the season in 2023 where he was knocked out from the first round of the US Open after losing to Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Rune was quoted in a report where he stated that suffered the first bit of injury during the Clay season.

"During the clay season, there was a pinched nerve at L5 (the fifth lumbar vertebra in the spine), so it’s not so good,” he said. “I know it can be fixed and I get to spend my time fixing it now.

“I can feel that I can’t play at the level I want, even if I want to and am willing to give 100 percent, I can’t get the same speed in the serve and get the free points I want. I will be scanned on Monday, and then we will see what we can do about it. Then it will be fixed.”

Talking about his plans to return to action, the Gentofte-born stated that he will be only seen in action once he is 100 percent fit.

“I'd say I'm not coming back until it's 100 percent,” he said. “I have no idea about that right now. The plan is to get ready for the Laver Cup and Beijing. I have not signed up for anything. The plan is to get it fixed as soon as possible - but so that it is fixed 100 percent, take whatever time it takes.”

Despite having a disappointing end to his current season — at least as it stands — Rune will be overall pleased with his performance throughout the year. It was the first time where Rune managed to play in the quarterfinal of two Grand Slams.