Holger Rune continued his exceptional form at the 2025 Barcelona Open, easily dispatching Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 to secure a spot in the final and climb back into the ATP Top 10. With this win, Rune not only advanced to the final of the ATP 500 tournament but also boosted his chances of reaching a career-high 9th place in the world rankings.
The first set saw Rune take control early, breaking Khachanov’s serve to lead 4-3. From there, Rune’s confidence soared, and he broke again to close out the set 6-3. The second set was even more dominant as Rune capitalized on his first break point opportunity, taking a 1-0 lead. At 5-2, he broke Khachanov’s serve once more to seal the match 6-2, further cementing his place as one of the most in-form players on the tour.
Rune’s victory sets up an exciting final showdown, where he will face the winner of the highly anticipated match between Carlos Alcaraz and Arthur Fils. Rune’s impressive play in Barcelona has turned heads, and he will be aiming for his first ATP 500 title, with a shot at climbing even higher in the rankings.
In the first set of the match against Khachanov, Rune showcased his prowess, not conceding a single break point. The 21-year-old Dane broke to love in the seventh game, and then broke again in the ninth to claim the first set in just over half an hour. Rune’s ability to maintain pressure was evident as he dominated the court.
As the second set unfolded, Khachanov, ranked 27th, struggled to find his footing. Rune broke Khachanov in the second game, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. Although Khachanov managed to save two break points in the sixth game, Rune’s relentless play saw him break again in the ninth, wrapping up his victory with a stunning passing shot.
"It was definitely a very good match from my side, I played very smart I think and put him under lots of pressure," said Rune after the match. His performance was marked by a mix of powerful shots and strategic play, hitting 20 winners against 13 unforced errors. "I knew I had to play well again, I was keeping my pace on my shots well, mixing it up well and doing most things right today, so I'm very happy," he added.
Looking ahead, Rune acknowledged the challenge that awaits him in the final. "No matter who it's going to be (in Sunday's final) it's going to be tough... I'm sure it's going to be tough," he remarked. His confidence is buoyed by his recent performances, including a previous victory over defending champion Casper Ruud.
Earlier in the tournament, Rune had triumphed against Spanish wildcard Albert Ramos-Vinolas (7-5, 6-4) and Argentinian Sebastian Baez (4-6, 6-1, 6-2), showcasing his ability to adapt and overcome various playing styles.
As for Khachanov, he had a commendable run leading up to this match, defeating qualifier Cameron Norrie (6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-3), Spaniard Jaume Munar (7-5, 6-4), and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (6-4, 7-5). However, he faced a formidable opponent in Rune, who was clearly in a class of his own during their encounter.
The Barcelona Open, held at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, has a prize pool of EUR 2.889.200, adding to the stakes as players vie for both prestige and financial rewards. Rune’s journey to the final has not only highlighted his talent but has also set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the tournament.
Later on Saturday, world number two Carlos Alcaraz, hunting for a third Barcelona Open title, will face seventh seed Arthur Fils in the other semi-final. Alcaraz, who recently defeated Fils in three sets during the Monte Carlo Masters, is favored to advance, but Fils will be eager to pull off an upset.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly awaiting the final showdown, where Rune will look to capitalize on his momentum and secure his first ATP 500 title. With his recent form and determination, he is poised to make a significant impact in the final.
The Barcelona Open has been a showcase of emerging talent and established stars, with Rune’s performance being a highlight. The final match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both Rune and his opponent expected to bring their best to the court.
In conclusion, Holger Rune’s victory over Khachanov not only propels him into the final but also reaffirms his status as one of the top contenders in men’s tennis today. As he prepares for the final, all eyes will be on the young Dane to see if he can claim his first ATP 500 title and continue his rise in the world rankings.
