In a thrilling showdown at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Holger Rune put an end to Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive nine-match winning streak by defeating him 7-6(6), 6-2 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. This victory marks Rune's first title of the season and his fifth career ATP Tour trophy, solidifying his place among the elite in men’s tennis.
The match showcased a fierce battle between the two young stars, both aged 21 and under, and was the first tour-level final between players of this age group since 2022. Rune, the sixth seed, demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess, rallying from a break deficit in the first set and ultimately converting his fourth set point to take the opener.
“It means the world, it was such a great match,” Rune reflected after the victory. “In the beginning, I was a little bit stressed, because Carlos obviously plays big-time tennis. I had to breathe a lot and find my rhythm. After he broke me, I got more into the match and played my tennis. The first set was a big battle, it was super important to win it and gain the momentum. I’m so proud of myself.”
Both players exchanged powerful baseline shots, with Rune managing to hold firm in the face of Alcaraz’s aggressive play. Rune saved all four break points he faced in the second set, a testament to his defensive skills and mental fortitude. Alcaraz, despite showing flashes of brilliance, struggled with his physical condition, taking a medical timeout during the match and later appearing to be hampered by discomfort in his upper right leg.
Rune's journey to the title was not without its challenges. Just a week prior, he had to retire from his Monte-Carlo opener due to food poisoning. However, he quickly found his footing on the clay courts of Barcelona, defeating defending champion Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals and showcasing his talent against Alcaraz in the final.
The match lasted one hour and 41 minutes, with Rune leveling his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Alcaraz at 2-2. Alcaraz, who was aiming for his third title of the season after victories in Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo, will now see Alexander Zverev reclaim the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings following his triumph in Munich.
In the first set, Alcaraz initially took the lead with a break in the fifth game, but Rune quickly regained momentum, winning eight consecutive points to shift the tide. Although Alcaraz saved two set points on serve at 4-5, he ultimately succumbed to Rune’s pressure, losing the tie-break due to an uncharacteristic 10th forehand unforced error.
“When I got broken in the first set, I thought to myself that I don’t need to hit every shot on the line,” Rune explained. “So I [asked] myself: ‘What did Novak do when he beat him?’ I played it in my mind, the Olympics final, and tried to play that style, making a lot of balls. I’m very happy with how I stayed composed when it mattered, and I was really brave.”
In the second set, Alcaraz’s discomfort became more pronounced. After taking an off-court medical timeout following the third game, he struggled to regain his rhythm and was unable to secure any further games. His unforced error count ballooned to 33, highlighting the toll the match and his physical condition took on him.
“Congratulations Holger on an amazing week,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. “Coming from Monte-Carlo, [where] you had to retire. Coming here and showing a great effort to make the people enjoy watching tennis, I appreciate that. We’ve been seeing each other since [we were] 12 years old. Time flies. I’m really happy to see us in this position, how far we’ve [come]. Keep going.”
Rune’s victory not only represents a significant milestone in his career but also propels him back into the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings, moving from No. 13 to No. 9. This win is particularly sweet for Rune, who has faced ups and downs in the past two years, including a title drought that has now ended in Barcelona.
As the clay court season progresses, Rune’s confidence will be soaring, and he will look to build on this momentum in upcoming tournaments. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will need to focus on recovery and regrouping ahead of the Madrid Open, aiming to bounce back from this setback.
With both players showcasing their immense talent and determination, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters between Rune and Alcaraz in the future, as they continue to rise in the ranks of men’s tennis.
In conclusion, the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell final was a testament to the future of tennis, with Holger Rune emerging as the champion and Carlos Alcaraz proving that even in defeat, he remains a formidable competitor on the ATP Tour.
