Holger Rune Shocks Carlos Alcaraz to Win Barcelona Open
Locker Room
April 21, 2025
Holger Rune was inspired by Novak Djokovic as he beat Carlos Alcaraz in his own back yard.
Rune realised he was trying too hard to hit instant winners after he was broken early in the Barcelona final.
Then he recalled that Djokovic defeated Alcaraz on clay at the Paris Olympics by playing the percentages and gradually wearing him down with the help of strong defence.
Rune explained: ‘When I got broken in the first set, I thought to myself that I don’t need to hit every shot on the line. So I asked myself: “What did Novak do when he beat him?”
‘I played the Olympic final in my mind and tried to play that style by making a lot of balls.. I’m very happy with how I stayed composed when it mattered. I was really brave.’
Holger Rune could make a big impact at Wimbledon 2025 if he finds the same winning formula.
Alcaraz certainly had no answer by the end of this final. He couldn’t clear the net with an inside-out forehand as he tried to stay in contention.
Suddenly it was all over and the two players embraced. The 21-year-olds have been battling each other since they were twelve. The mutual respect is clearly there.
Rune savoured the moment as he rushed over to hug his team in one corner of the stadium . They all knew this upset was no mean achievement.
Alcaraz was on a nine-match winning streak and hadn’t lost for fourteen matches in Barcelona.
The first-set breaker was vital. It took five attempts for the Norwegian to win it. Then he seemed to break at will as Carlitos finally ran out of steam and Rune romped to a surprise 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 triumph.
‘How far we’ve come together,’ said Alcaraz sportingly. ‘Congratulations and keep going.’
Meanwhile Alexander Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 to win the Munich Open.
Holger Rune and Alexander Zverev will seek to build on these victories for the French Open and then Wimbledon 2025.
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