Holger Rune has moved a step closer to his first Grand Slam appearance of 2026 after receiving direct entry into the US Open main draw.

The 23-year-old Dane was ranked No. 80 when the entry list was compiled, comfortably inside the men’s cut-off of No. 101. According to the US Open’s official entry-list announcement, the singles competition will begin on 30 August and conclude with the men’s final on 13 September.

Rune will therefore avoid qualifying, which begins on 24 August. His inclusion is an encouraging sign after nine months away from competition, although entry lists remain provisional and players can withdraw before the tournament.

Recovery continues after Achilles rupture

Rune has not played since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during his Stockholm Open semi-final against Ugo Humbert in October 2025.

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He was leading 6-4, 2-2 when the injury forced him to retire. According to ATP Tour reporter Sam Jacot’s account of the incident, Rune subsequently underwent surgery and began a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

His most recent Grand Slam appearance came at the 2025 US Open. Rune reached the second round before losing a five-set contest to German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, as described in the tournament’s official match report.

If he competes in New York this year, it will be his first Grand Slam since that defeat.

Positive update from the Rune camp

Rune has returned to on-court training, but his team has yet to confirm the precise date of his competitive comeback.

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His mother and manager, Aneke Rune, recently offered an encouraging assessment in a written update quoted by Ritzau.

“He is making really good progress on court and is very happy with how things are developing. He is looking forward to competing again soon. Hopefully, it will be in Canada or Cincinnati,” she said.

Rune is entered in the Cincinnati Open, which begins on 13 August, according to a report by Eurosport journalist Emil Iversen.

The Canadian Masters 1000 event in Montreal runs from 2 to 13 August, but Rune’s participation has not been confirmed. Either tournament could provide valuable match practice before the US Open.

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Fellow Dane Clara Tauson has also earned direct entry into the women’s draw. For Rune, however, the immediate priority remains proving that his body is ready for the demands of competitive tennis.

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