Why throw away smashed rackets when you can sign them and sell them? That’s what Holger Rune must have thought when he decided to launch his brand-new online store. The Danish No.1 wanted to give his most devoted fans the chance to own personal items by offering various products, from posters to caps. However, the item that garnered the most attention was undoubtedly the smashed rackets.
A Message to the Fans
“I’ve been working behind the scenes with my sister Alma to create a space where you can get closer to my world,” Rune wrote 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.”
He added that the store offers personally signed gear – including books, rackets, posters, t-shirts, caps, and more. “It’s also a creative space where I’ll be sharing unique products in the future that I use in practice, during matches, and off the court,” he said. “Thanks for being part of the journey.”
To be fair, it won’t be cheap to be “part of the journey”: only five match-used Babolat Pure Aero 98 racquets are available – two of which were actually broken during matches–and each one is on sale for $7,000 (around €6,000). If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might opt for a signed Nike hat, priced at $189.
We try to keep up and more items coming . Thank you for your interest in https://t.co/6XlgXQlYJE
— Holger Rune (@holgerrune2003) June 22, 2025
Social Media Backlash and Rune’s Reply
Rune also explained that part of the profits will go to various charities. However, some fans on social media expressed skepticism. One comment read:
“He has a page titled ‘Africa’ and it’s 3 photos of his used stuff shipped to an unnamed place in Africa, with pictures of Black children standing around it. He’s also selling smashed rackets for $6K on there.”
In response, Rune replied:
“I send most of my old tennis clothes to various clubs abroad that need equipment instead of throwing it out, and a couple of years ago I also started supporting charity organizations for kids financially and raising awareness of helping where we can.”
He concluded on a pointed note aimed at his critics:
“I am sure we can all do more, but this is what I do right now. And what do you do?”
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
