Runs into a very sad, crushed opponent (9)
I believe the answer is:
adversary
'opponent' is the definition.
('adversary' can be a synonym of 'opponent')
'runs into a very sad crushed' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'runs' could be 'r' (cricket abbreviation) and 'r' is present in the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
'very' could be 'v' (abbreviation) and 'v' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for adversary that I've seen before include "Foe, opponent" , "Opponent or enemy" , "Antagonist, opponent" , "Enemy or rival" .)