Holger Rune Upsets Carlos Alcaraz to Win Barcelona Open 2025 Title

Barcelona, April 21 In a thrilling finale at the Barcelona Open 2025, Danish tennis star Holger Rune stunned World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets 7-6(8/6), 6-2, securing his first ATP title in nearly a year and disrupting Alcaraz’s dominance on clay courts.

Rune Breaks Alcaraz’s Clay Court Streak

Coming into the final, Alcaraz had lost only once in his last 23 matches on clay. However, Rune played a composed and strategic game, showcasing exceptional resilience and tactical brilliance. After a tight first set that culminated in a tiebreak, Rune took control of the second set, breaking Alcaraz’s serve twice to claim the win.

“This is a crazy feeling,” Rune said post-match. “To win a title after nearly a year and against a great player and friend like Carlos makes it even more special. I stayed calm and played with focus from start to finish.”

Match Highlights and Turning Points

The final began with Alcaraz gaining an early break in the fifth game, but Rune quickly leveled the score at 3-3. Rune created two set points in the 10th game, though Alcaraz saved both to force a tiebreak. Rune eventually clinched the first set 8-6 in the breaker—marking the first time Alcaraz had dropped a set this week.

In the second set, Rune fended off two early break points before Alcaraz took a medical timeout. Despite returning to court, Alcaraz struggled to regain rhythm as Rune broke his serve twice more to dominate the set 6-2.

Implications Ahead of the French Open

This victory positions Holger Rune as a serious contender on clay ahead of Roland Garros 2025. Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who recently won the Monte Carlo Masters, will look to bounce back before the Grand Slam in Paris.