“Hopefully, this will be the only time in my career that I’m out for such a long period, so it’s about enjoying it now,” Rune had said prior to the event, according to Nicholas Albek of SpilXperten.

“Davis Cup is also a good opportunity to test my level and see where I actually stand. These are real matches, there are more nerves involved, and we can really find out how the body reacts to actual competition.”

Rune broke four times against the 21-year-old world No.596.

Earlier in the day Grigor Dimitrov defeated Elmer Moller, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.

Rune had not played since October 18, 2025, when he ruptured his achilles tendon in Stockholm, in the second set of his semifinal.

This video, released by the ATP Tour today, has more about Rune’s grueling road to recovery.

“I missed the pressure,” Rune said. “Now it’s a chance to fight back and also have a chance to be a better version of myself.”

Since he defeated five Top 10 players en route to his maiden Masters title in Bercy in 2022, Rune has been considered a force to be reckoned with. To date he has reached three Grand Slam quarterfinals and amassed 175 ATP wins and five ATP titles.