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Holger Rune Ends Carlos Alcaraz’s Clay Streak to Win Barcelona Open

Rune claims his first title since April 2023 with a straight-sets victory over Alcaraz, who struggled with a physical issue during the final.

Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final against Denmark's Holger Rune REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Denmark's Holger Rune celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the final against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Denmark's Holger Rune poses for a photo with Spain's Carlos Alcaraz before the final REUTERS/Bruna Casas
Tennis - ATP 500 - Barcelona Open - Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain - April 20, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final against Denmark's Holger Rune REUTERS/Bruna Casas

Overview

  • Holger Rune defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(6), 6-2 in the Barcelona Open final, securing his first tournament victory in two years.
  • Rune became only the second player to beat Alcaraz in his last 23 clay-court matches, ending the Spaniard's dominance on the surface.
  • Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, required a medical timeout in the second set for an apparent thigh or groin issue, which impacted his performance.
  • The win highlights Rune's tactical discipline and composure, with the Dane crediting his strategy for neutralizing Alcaraz's powerful game.
  • This result shifts the dynamics of the clay-court season ahead of Roland Garros, with Alcaraz dropping to world No. 3 in the ATP rankings.