With a 6-4, 2-2 lead and a laser-like focus, Holger Rune was unstoppable in the Nordic Open semifinal in Stockholm. Then the dreaded “ pop ” arrived. Adrenaline was replaced by tears, pain took over, and his leg gave out. In a matter of seconds, the young Danish star’s season came to an abrupt end. Not only did that moment end a match, but it also brought up difficult questions about what is driving these athletes to the limit. How did this happen? And who bears the blame?

A few days later in Copenhagen, Holger was recovering from Achilles surgery at Aleris-Hamlet Hospital, grappling with the harsh reality. “ It’s been some really hard days, and I’ve been very, very sad about it, ” he confessed. “ But I’m glad the surgery went well and I’ll get through this. I know it takes patience,

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