Holger Rune hopes to turn smashed rackets into charity gold
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Denmark's Holger Rune has set up a new online store which he hopes will help charitable causes.
PHOTO: REUTERS
COPENHAGEN – Holger Rune has put the mangled rackets that have borne the brunt of his frustration in matches over the years up for sale, among a collection of items in his new online store which he hopes will help charitable causes.
The world No. 8 from Denmark launched the website over the weekend, giving fans the chance to buy items such as books, posters and playing cards, as well as match-worn clothing.
While many of the items sold out in a flash, several used rackets were on sale for close to US$6,000 (S$7,700), while two that were bent and smashed beyond repair during the Dane's rare moments of rage on court were priced at more than US$7,000.
“I’ve been working behind the scenes with my sister Alma to create a space where you can get closer to my world,” Rune said on social media.
“To everyone who follows my journey, watches my matches, sends messages, and supports me – this is for you. Your support means everything.
“Launching this shop is my way of sharing a bit more of my journey with you.”
Part of the profits will support select charities close to Rune’s heart, the website added, and the 22-year-old said that he will put more items on sale soon.
Rune is next in action at Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year which begins on June 30.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon women’s singles champion Barbora Krejcikova saved match points for the second successive day against a British opponent to reach the quarter-finals of the Eastbourne WTA 250 event on June 25.
The Czech, 29, was troubled by a thigh strain and looked on the verge of being knocked out by Jodie Burrage when she served at 5-6 in the deciding set and fell 0-40 behind, but she somehow turned it around to win 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3).
But Emma Raducanu suffered a setback as the 22-year-old Briton crashed to a 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) defeat against Australian teenager Maya Joint, leaving her short of match practice leading into the grass-court Grand Slam.
Joint had knocked out two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur in the first round and the 19-year-old made Raducanu her second high-profile victim of the week. REUTERS, AFP
