Rune's Achilles rupture heightens push to ease tennis calendar

Holger Rune has been ruled out for several months after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the Stockholm Open semifinals on October 18, a blow that has intensified calls from players and others for the professional tours to ease one of the sport's busiest calendars. The 22 year old Dane retired midmatch against Ugo Humbert after feeling a sudden pop in his leg, was later operated on, and both his mother and the player said he faces an extended rehabilitation period.

Rune had taken the first set 6-4 and was level 2-2 in the second when he signalled distress, limped to his chair and was unable to continue. He described the injury in a social media post, saying the Achilles was "fully broken" and that an operation was required. His mother, Aneke Rune, said doctors expected him to be sidelined for three to six months. Rune posted after surgery that the procedure went well and thanked supporters, adding he would keep followers updated on his recovery.

The injury has become the latest high-profile case in a season marked by a string of withdrawals and midmatch retirements. Players including Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz used social media to link the spate of injuries to the demands...