He has yet to go beyond the fourth round this year and he suffered one of his worst defeats of the year at the Argentina Open.

Holger Rune faced home favourite Mariano Navone who produced a special performance in front of his fellow Argentinians.

Holger Rune issued an apology to Argentina Open fans following early exit

Navone won the first three games and last three games of set one to storm ahead in his second match against Rune, and he also saved three break points.

The second set was more competitive, as both players held serve all the way to the final set tiebreak. But Rune managed just two points in the tiebreak as Navone claimed a 6-1, 7-6(2) win to hand the World number 12 his second successive loss.

Post-match Rune took to X to apologise to the Argentina Open fans for his performance. He claimed he was suffering from influenza at the Rotterdam Open, and believes he should have given himself more time to return to full health.

“Looking back I think it was too early to play after my influenza last week,” Rune wrote. “My shoulder was not working and the whole body seemed extremely vulnerable. I will take the time and get proper rest now.

“When the body is not there , the brain shuts down and I am just very sorry I couldn’t deliver what I wanted on court today. Sorry Argentina.

“Absolutely not the result I wanted tonight. Thank you Argentina for having me, you have a beautiful country and I felt welcome here.”

Holger Rune cast doubt over Argentina Open return

Following his disappointing Argentina Open campaign, Rune cast doubt over whether he would play at the tournament again.

In his post-match press conference, he praised aspects of the event such as the way it has been organised.

On the other hand, the former Grand Slam quarter-finalist was brutally honest about the court conditions. “The event is well organized, but the courts are not good at all,” he said.

“Apart from that, everything is fine. Good atmosphere, fantastic weather, quite good. But I don’t know if I will play here again. I will review my calendar.”