Holger Rune Shocks Alcaraz to End Clay Streak and Win Barcelona Open Title

Rune defeats red-hot Alcaraz for his first ATP title since 2023 — and marks his return to the Top 10.

In a dramatic showdown at the 2025 Barcelona Open, Holger Rune silenced the Spanish crowd by toppling local favorite Carlos Alcaraz, snapping his rival’s nine-match clay-court winning streak and claiming his fifth ATP title with a 7-6(6), 6-2 victory.

For Rune, this wasn’t just another win. It was his first ATP title in nearly two years — the last coming in Munich back in 2023 — and a powerful statement ahead of the Roland Garros clay season.

“Thanks to my mom, thanks to my team, and thanks to everyone for being here. It’s an amazing feeling,” Rune said during the trophy ceremony. “It’s been a while!”

Rune Stuns a Surging Alcaraz

Alcaraz came into the final fresh off a title run in Monte Carlo and hadn’t dropped a set all week in Barcelona. He looked on course for another trophy when he broke Rune early for a 3-2 lead in the first set, firing off forehand winners that had the home crowd roaring.

But Rune answered immediately with a break of his own, fought through a tense tiebreak, and flipped the script. Once he captured the first set, Rune’s confidence skyrocketed. He rattled off five straight games in the second set, sealing the win in just under two hours.

Career Milestones for the Danish Star

This wasn’t just a title—it was a career milestone-laden performance for Rune:

It marked his 20th career win over a Top 10 player.
He completed a rare feat by now owning victories against every ATP ranking from No. 1 to No. 10.
He’s now projected to re-enter the ATP Top 10, climbing back to No. 9 after nearly a year outside the elite.

Alcaraz Falters in Historic Pursuit

While Carlos Alcaraz has drawn comparisons to Rafael Nadal, the 21-year-old Spaniard learned just how difficult the Monte Carlo–Barcelona double really is—something Nadal achieved ten times in his legendary career.

Despite a strong start, Alcaraz’s game faltered. After the first set, he appeared to struggle physically and even took a medical timeout, possibly due to a hip flexor issue. His uncharacteristic 33 unforced errors (against just 16 winners) told the story.

Still, Rune’s win was no fluke. He kept his foot on the gas, hitting bold passing shots, taking control of rallies, and showing a level of composure that has sometimes eluded him in big moments.

“Congrats to Carlos, not just for this week but also Monte Carlo,” Rune said. “You’re doing something amazing for tennis.”

Eyes on Roland Garros

With this win, Holger Rune cements himself as a serious contender on clay and a name to watch heading into Roland Garros 2025. As the clay court season heats up, tennis fans can expect more blockbuster battles between the new generation stars like Rune, Alcaraz, and the ever-dangerous Jannik Sinner.