Islamabad, 20 April 2025: Holger Rune stunned Carlos Alcaraz to win the Barcelona Open, claiming his first ATP title in two years.
The 21-year-old Dane showcased remarkable composure and tactical clarity as he overcame Alcaraz in straight sets, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2.
Playing on Alcaraz’s home soil, Rune held his nerve in a tense first-set tiebreak before dominating the second to seal a memorable win.
It was Rune’s first title since the Paris Masters in 2022, and his victory came just a week after illness forced him to retire mid-tournament in Monte Carlo.
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Rune said he took inspiration from Djokovic’s Olympic win over Alcaraz, using it to mentally prepare for the match.
He credited his ability to stay calm under pressure and make bold choices in crucial moments for his success.
The two players, friends since childhood, had a history of closely fought battles, but Rune’s mental edge proved decisive this time.
Alcaraz, who was aiming for a third Barcelona title in four years, struggled to convert his chances.
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Despite earning four break points in the second set, he failed to capitalise and later took a medical timeout, suggesting he may not have been at full fitness.
Rune’s impressive run sees him return to the ATP top 10, a significant boost as the clay season intensifies.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s defeat means he will slip from second to third in the world rankings, overtaken by Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
Zverev returned to world number two by beating Ben Shelton to win the Munich Open on his 28th birthday.
Rune’s triumph in Barcelona not only ends a title drought but also sends a clear message ahead of the French Open: he remains a force to watch on clay.
