BARCELONA, Spain — Holger Rune upset home-crowd favorite Carlos Alcaraz in straight units on Sunday to win the Barcelona Open for his first title since 2023.
Rune defeated the Spaniard 7-6 (6), 6-2 for his first title since successful in Munich two years in the past, and fifth general. It was the Dane’s first ATP 500 title.
“It means the world, it was such an excellent match,” Rune stated. “At first, I used to be just a little bit harassed, as a result of Carlos clearly performs big-time tennis. I needed to breathe lots and discover my rhythm. After he broke me, I bought extra into the match and performed my tennis. The primary set was an enormous battle, it was tremendous necessary to win it and acquire the momentum. I’m so pleased with myself.”
Alcaraz was coming off a nine-match successful streak that included his first Monte Carlo Masters title final weekend. He was looking for his third title of the yr and nineteenth of his profession. He gained the Barcelona Open in 2022 and 2023.
Rune, runner-up to Jack Draper at Indian Wells, rallied from a break down within the opener and transformed his fourth set level. He cruised within the second set in opposition to Alcaraz, who twice wanted therapy on his higher proper leg.
“I’m very pleased with how I stayed composed when it mattered, and I used to be actually courageous,” Rune stated.
Alcaraz will lose his No. 2 rating to Alexander Zverev, who gained his third Munich title on Sunday.
“Congratulations Holger on a tremendous week,” Alcaraz stated. “Coming right here and exhibiting an excellent effort to make the individuals take pleasure in watching tennis, I respect that. We’ve been seeing one another since (we have been) 12 years outdated. Time flies. I’m actually comfortable to see us on this place, how far we’ve (come). Preserve going.”
It was the primary ATP tour-level closing between two gamers aged 21-and-under since 2022. Each are 21.
By reaching the ultimate in Barcelona, Rune secured a return to the highest 10. He’ll transfer as much as No. 9. The sixth seed in Barcelona, Rune had been compelled to retire from his Monte Carlo opener with meals poisoning.
The Madrid Open begins Monday.
