Leading up to the 2026 US Open Grand Slam tournament, Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz had been sidelined for four months with a severe wrist injury. To get fully match-ready, Rune and Alcaraz met in Alcaraz's hometown of Murcia.
During the training camp, they played a full practice match, which Alcaraz won 7-6, 6-2. This provided the Spaniard with exactly the right level of opposition ahead of his major tournament.
Upon arriving in New York, Alcaraz extended a big thank-you to the Dane at his first press conference, stating that the week spent with Rune had been extremely important for his comeback.
"I have to thank Holger for coming to Murcia last week to train with me. It was a really important week for me. "He’s in really good shape. Obviously, he still needs a bit more rehab, but it really helped me realize that I was ready to come here (New York)."
"Holger is always welcome (in Murcia) if he needs it. I was very happy to see him back on the court, training well and with high intensity. I hope to see him back in action soon. I can't wait to see him around. So yes, thanks to him for helping me get ready for the US Open."
Rune has been sidelined for nearly a year, but seems to be able to still strike the ball with the same feel that Alcaraz expects to encounter during his own Grand Slam comeback.
Rune will have to wait until the Davis Cup in mid-September for his own return.
