Danish Tennis Player Holger Rune Faces Backlash
Danish tennis player Holger Rune recently faced backlash from both fans and his racket sponsor, Babolat, after he attempted to auction off broken rackets for high prices. This controversial move, with prices soaring up to $6,000, was perceived negatively by fans, some of whom labeled the 22-year-old as “detestable” for selling what they viewed as unusable equipment while claiming the profits would go to charity.
Response to Criticism
In response to the criticism, Rune chose to defend his actions on social media, engaging with a critic by emphasizing his philanthropic efforts and questioning their own charitable contributions. However, the discontent from his sponsor posed a larger issue. Marion Cornu, Babolat’s Tennis Business Leader, publicly criticized Rune’s action, stating:
“It is not our intention to promote broken racquets. We are in discussions with his agent. We must ensure consistency with our values regarding our brand image, so we are addressing this issue with his representatives.”
Impact on Rune’s Career
Following the negative reception, reports indicate that Rune sold one of the broken rackets with all proceeds directed towards charity, yet his team subsequently removed other listings from his online store. This entire situation appears to stem from a misalignment in messaging; while Rune aimed to support a good cause, Babolat’s mission emphasizes maintaining a reputable image, especially in light of the investment made in promoting their products during professional tournaments.
Notably, Rune has recently faced challenges on the court as well. At the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, he used one of the rackets from the ill-fated sale in his first-round match but lost to Nicolas Jarry after winning the first two sets, hampered by an injury. In his post-match interview, Rune expressed his belief that, without the health issue, he would have likely secured victory.
Future Prospects
With the rise of young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – both of whom have dominated recent Grand Slams – the prospect of a new ‘Big 3’ that included Rune has dimmed. Alcaraz and Sinner have each claimed three of the last six major titles, showcasing remarkable performances including a thrilling final at Roland Garros where Alcaraz fought off multiple championship points before ultimately winning.
For Rune, the path forward is clear: he must focus on overcoming injury issues and refining his game if he wishes to compete at the highest levels alongside his contemporaries.
