The ATP has launched an official investigation into comments made by a former junior world No.1 during a Challenger tournament in Italy.
Rising star Holger Rune is accused of making homophobic comments during his semi-final clash against Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Biella Open on Saturday. In a video uploaded on social media, the Dane was caught saying in his native language ‘you are a pussy player’ and ‘you are playing like a faggot ass.’ Shortly after saying those phrases, he shouted ‘Allez, faggot’ when winning a point.
The comments from the youngster prompted backlash on social media with many fans criticising him for his choice of words. On his official Instagram account, Rune stated that his words were directed at himself and nobody else.
Amid the controversy, Rune issued a statement to TV2.dk where he apologised for the remarks and to anybody who he might have offended by his words. He also apologised on his Instagram account.
“I’m young and I need to learn. Not that that allows me to say crap like that. I was taught a lesson, and I think it’s fair that people criticise (me). I’m really sorry and hope people will accept my apology,” he said.
However, on the same day as Rune issued his statement his mother accused TV2 of ‘harassing’ her son for what she described as a ‘wrong comment.’ Aneke Rune, who is also the manager of the tennis player, hit out at those who she claims are trying to ‘make news and gossip from a hard working young man.’
“If you are a man you can apologise as Holger did if anyone felt offended by his words to himself in the match. Do NOT harass Holger for a wrong comment TV2 and who else is out there trying to make news and gossip from a hard working young man,” Aneke wrote on Instagram.
The post published by Rune’s manager has since been deleted but one of those backing her was Patrick Mouratoglou who wrote ‘very well said Haneke, ignore them.’ Rune trains at Mouratoglou’s academy in France.
In a statement issued to TV2 on Monday, the ATP has confirmed that they are investigating the incident under the official code of conduct (section 8.04).
“ATP is committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for all players, staff and fans, and there is absolutely no room for homophobic remarks in tennis,” a statement reads.
“According to section 8.04 N.2 of the Player Code of Conduct, ATP is in the process of investigating the comments of Holger Rune during a match on Saturday 5 June 2021 in ATP Challenger 80 in Biella.”
Reacting to the latest development, Aneke says she doesn’t believe any further action will be taken. Pointing that Rune had already spoken with the ATP and has previously never been in trouble.
“Holger has spoken to ATP during the tournament, and since Holger has not been registered for any offenses with ATP of any kind, I can not imagine that further action is taken in a case where Holger on two points shouts wrong words to himself. In addition to a warning that probably should have come during the match, ” she said.
“Holger has publicly apologized for his words both to TV2 and on his Instagram. We must remember that we are not talking about a player here with a history of either insults or other intimidating behaviour towards either opponents, referees, ball children etc.“
Christian Bigom is the chairman of Pan Idræt, a multi-sports club in Copenhagen which focuses on ‘inclusion of people with a special focus on sexual orientation and gender diversity.’ Speaking about Rune’s comments Bigom argues the focus shouldn’t be on the individual but why these phrases are being used in the first place.
“I think it’s fine that Holger Rune has said sorry. That is really good,” he said.
“I would rather ask a question about why it is these words that are used. To me, it testifies to a very negative language used in the world of sports. Not only in tennis, but certainly also in football.”
18-year-old Rune is currently ranked 291st in the world. He claimed the French Open boys’ title in 2019 and recently won his maiden Challenger title in Biella on Sunday.
