"They hate women and Holger Rune";"Can't he stop making excuses" - Fans react to Dane accusing Madrid Open of 'cheating' after racket controversy

Holger Rune accused the Madrid Open of cheating during his second-round match at Arantxa Sanchez Stadium on Friday, April 26.

Rune received a bye in the first round before fighting a tough battle with Argentina's Mariano Navone. He had to come from behind after losing the opening set to book his place in the third round with a 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Navone.

While on the court with Navone, Rune reported to the chair umpire that the racket that he was using had strings missing.

"The tournament is trying to cheat me.....they missed one string on my racquet," the Dane told the official.

Rune's accusation has added to the list of controversies around the Madrid event with WTA's Ellen Perez recently claiming the organizers have denied female doubles contenders access to practice courts.

Last year, the Madrid authorities invited criticism for differentiating between the men and women in contention and also prohibiting previous year's women's doubles finalists Victoria Azarenka, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula from addressing the crowd during the presentation.

Tennis fans on X (formerly Twitter) learned about the Holger Rune controversy and registered their reaction to it.

"They hate women and Holger," one fan wrote.

Another one, however, rebuked the World No. 12, saying:

"Can't he [Holger Rune] stop making excuses and blaming others?!!"

Here are a few more reactions from X:

"The establishment is so afraid of King Holger," a fan stated.

"When will Madrid pay for their crimes…," a fan wrote.

"The background lights randomly were flashing on and off in Holger’s eyes. Seems like corrupt shenanigans," a fan claimed.

"I don’t see where they missed a main or cross on the racquet," a fan commented.

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"Holger Rune doesn’t care if he plays the villain in any scenario" - Tennis journalist Jason Goodall

Holger Rune

John McEnroe's brother Patrick and tennis journalist Jason Goodall talked about Holger Rune's mindset and image. Patrick suggested that the Dane carries a little bit of attitude backed by his tennis prowess.

"I know he’s rubbing some people the wrong way including a lot of the other players but I think he’ll learn and I think he’s got some moxie. He’s got some attitude but more than anything else I think he’s got game," Patrick said, via 'Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe' podcast.

Jason Goodall approved of Patrick's viewpoint and said:

"The most important aspect of all of that is that he believes in himself and that he doesn’t care if he plays the villain in any scenario."

Rune will next take the court on Saturday, April 28, to fight with Tallon Griekspoor for a place in the Round of 16.