In a stunning upset at the 2025 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Holger Rune ended the title defense of Casper Ruud with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory in the quarter-finals on Friday. Rune, the world number 13, showcased a brilliant performance on Pista Rafa Nadal, breaking Ruud twice in each set to secure his place in the semifinals.
For Rune, this victory marks a significant milestone as it is only his second win against Ruud in their last eight encounters. The 21-year-old Dane had previously struggled against the Norwegian, who entered the tournament as the second seed and was the reigning champion after winning the title in 2024.
"I played on my terms and I was really explosive, this is how I want to play," Rune said after his victory, reflecting on his dominant performance. He raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set, demonstrating impressive focus and skill despite having to withdraw from the Monte Carlo Masters just a week prior due to injury.
Ruud, on the other hand, struggled significantly throughout the match, accumulating a staggering 29 unforced errors. This performance is a stark contrast to his previous outings in Barcelona, where he had won his first two matches in straight sets.
"He was better than me in all aspects. There are things I could have done better, but he played at a higher level than mine," Ruud admitted in a post-match press conference. The 26-year-old noted that Rune's aggressive return game and powerful backhand caused him significant trouble, stating, "He put a lot of pressure on me on returns, and his backhand caused me a lot of trouble. It was impressive; I tried to open up the court a lot, but he made the difference in crucial points."
With this loss, Ruud is expected to slip out of the ATP Top-10 rankings, potentially landing at No. 15 when the new rankings are released next week. This is a significant drop for a player who has been a consistent performer on clay courts, especially after his runner-up finish at the Monte Carlo Masters last year.
Looking ahead, Rune will face World No. 27 Karen Khachanov in the semifinals on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Khachanov advanced after defeating home favorite Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 7-5, coming back from a 5-2 deficit in the second set. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash as both players seek to secure a spot in the final.
Meanwhile, the tournament's top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, continued his impressive run by defeating Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-3 in the quarterfinals, marking his eighth consecutive win of the season. Alcaraz, who recently claimed his first Monte Carlo Masters title, is in pursuit of his third Barcelona title in four years. He will face Arthur Fils, who reached his first semifinal of the year after Stefanos Tsitsipas retired due to injury.
Fils, currently ranked 13th, could break into the top ten for the first time if he wins the tournament, adding another layer of intrigue to the semifinals. Rune, ranked 11th, also has a chance to return to the top ten with a successful run in Barcelona.
The Barcelona Open has a rich history, with many top players competing for the prestigious title. Ruud's unexpected exit has opened the door for other contenders, and fans are eager to see how the tournament unfolds in the coming days.
As the clay court season progresses, players are looking to gain momentum heading into the French Open. The performances in Barcelona will be crucial for many, as they aim to solidify their rankings and build confidence on the surface.
In conclusion, Holger Rune's impressive victory over Casper Ruud has reshaped the landscape of the 2025 Barcelona Open, setting the stage for an exciting semifinals weekend. With top seeds still in contention and emerging talents like Rune and Fils making their mark, the tournament is poised for thrilling matches ahead.
