Holger Rune delivered a statement victory at the 2025 Barcelona Open, stunning defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(6), 6-2 in Sunday’s final to clinch his first ATP title in two years and his maiden clay-court ATP 500 crown.
The 20-year-old Dane combined composure with tactical brilliance, executing a game plan that mirrored Novak Djokovic’s approach during his Olympic win over Alcaraz. Rune’s aggressive yet disciplined play proved too much for the Spanish favourite on home soil.
“I knew I had to stay aggressive and take my chances,” Rune said post-match. “Getting the first set was crucial.”
Alcaraz Falters Amid Injury Concerns
Alcaraz, chasing a third consecutive Barcelona title, struggled to maintain rhythm after a tightly contested first set and showed signs of a physical issue. Despite winning Monte Carlo earlier in the month, the loss in Barcelona sees him slip to No. 3 in the ATP rankings, overtaken by Alexander Zverev following his title in Munich.
“I wasn’t at my best physically, but credit to Holger – he played a great match,” said Alcaraz.
Rune’s Road to the Title
Rune’s journey to the trophy was marked by victories over some of the world’s top clay-court players. He defeated 2022 French Open finalist Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals, overpowered Karen Khachanov in the semis, and silenced a partisan crowd in the final.
Key Results:
- Final: Rune def. Alcaraz 7-6(6), 6-2
- Semi-finals: Rune def. Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 | Alcaraz def. Fils 6-2, 6-4
- Quarter-finals: Rune def. Ruud | Alcaraz def. Davidovich Fokina
The win lifts Rune back into the ATP top 10, currently sitting at World No. 9.
Ferrer Bids Farewell
Off the court, David Ferrer announced his resignation as tournament director after six years at the helm. The former World No. 3 played a central role in guiding the tournament through pandemic disruptions and modernising its format, including the shift to a 48-player draw.
“I’ve given everything to this tournament, and now it’s time for someone else to take it forward,” Ferrer said.
Looking Ahead
The clay-court season rolls on with the Madrid Open and Roland Garros looming large. Rune will aim to build on his momentum, while Alcaraz turns his attention to recovery and preparation for the Grand Slam in Paris.
While the men battled it out in Barcelona, the WTA spotlight this week shifted to Stuttgart, where top players including Aryna Sabalenka have been competing in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.