Holger Rune (22 years old, #18 ATP) and his team are having a scary time in Doha, caught in the middle of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and under the constant threat of bombing.
The Danish tennis player arrived in Qatar for treatment at the renowned Aspetar hospital, where he was to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered at the end of last year. But shortly after arriving, tensions in the region flared, turning the trip into a harrowing experience.
“We weren’t allowed to go to the hospital!”
Almost a week after the outbreak of the conflict, Holger and his team remain stuck in Doha, living days full of insecurity. Holger’s mother, Aneke Rune, said the situation was alarming:
“Holger continued his recovery at the hotel as we were not allowed to go out and go to the hospital as projectile fragments were found nearby. We are happy that they are coming here and working with Holger, while we are afraid to go out. The man gets used to it a bit. I felt that the situation has calmed down so we continued with our normal life, hoping that the airport will open soon!“said Aneke Rune, according to sportskeeda.com.
“I have a possible escape plan in mind!”
However, Holger Rune’s mother remains determined to find a solution to ensure his safety in the days ahead.
“I’m used to organizing trips, so I have a possible escape plan in mind. The main question is what’s safest. The security companies I’ve consulted recommend staying where we are. But it’s still difficult to stay, because you never know when there’s going to be another attack, how violent it will be, or how close. So, in a way, it affects you!“she added.
Background – the conflict in the Middle East
In late February, Israel and the United States launched a military operation against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”, aimed at destroying parts of the country’s military and nuclear infrastructure with its capital in Tehran. The official announcement of the launch of the operation was made by the American president, Donald Trump.
Iran immediately retaliated by launching missile attacks on several states in the region, including Qatar. As a result, authorities in Doha suspended several flights, leaving many people stranded in the country, including Holger Rune and his team.
