Fitness coach Marco Panichi confirms Holger Rune's recovery from Achilles surgery is going well, but also highlights that there is a clear set of rules that the Danish tennis star is obliged to follow because he needs to make all the right steps in the upcoming period.
After Wimbledon, Rune hired Novak Djokovic's former long-time fitness trainer Panichi. When the world No. 15 made the move, he made it clear that his goal was to get stronger and get closer to achieving his tennis goals.
But just three months into their collaboration, Rune was struck with bad luck after fully breaking his Achilles tendon and suffering one of the most serious injuries seen on the ATP Tour this season. The 22-year-old has since undergone a successful surgery.
ADVERTISEMENT
Recently, Rune was spotted lightly hitting some balls with a protective booth on his leg. While that was a very positive sign, the 2022 Paris Masters champion is still set for a lengthy absence from the Tour as he is widely expected to miss at least the first part of the 2026 season.
Panichi's work with Djokovic over the years is well-documented. And now, the Italian fitness coach says he also has a clear plan for Rune's recovery.
Panichi: We restored order... There is a clear plan for Rune to follow
We restored order. First of all in load management, then in the quality of movement. Holger always tends to give his all, but when you need to recover, you need discipline: progression, controlled intensity, respect for the times. In certain moments, the right thing to do is to slow him down," Panichi told Ubitennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Restoring symmetry, balance, and confidence in his movements. An explosive athlete like him needs to feel his body free. When he starts to trust his support and acceleration again, everything changes. Hes moving the way he wants to again. Hes started to feel his body fluid again. Hes young, he reacts well, and hes a quick learner. The key is to empower him to express his intensity, but efficiently.
Before going down with an injury in Stockholm, Rune posted a 36-22 record in 2025 and won the ATP 500 tournament in Barcelona.
