Carlos Alcaraz has come a long way since his early-season hiccups. A surprise first-round loss at the Miami Open had many questioning his rhythm. But the Spaniard has flipped the script on clay, a surface that has always felt like home. He already lifted the Monte Carlo title this season, and now he’s into his third final of 2025 — his second on clay. With the Barcelona Open title once again within reach, Alcaraz is eyeing a third trophy in his home tournament. Standing in his way is Holger Rune, another rising star from the ATP’s next-gen roster. This is his first final in Barcelona and a big opportunity to capture his first ATP title since 2023. While both players are in great form, this final also marks their first meeting on clay. So who will prevail in this batlle of the young guns? Let’s find out!
Carlos Alcaraz vs Holger Rune: Preview
After missing the 2024 edition of the tournament due to injury, this run has been a statement—both to the crowd that adores him and to the rest of the field. With a 24-4 record this season and the world number two ranking back in his grasp, Alcaraz looks locked in. The Spaniard kicked off his campaign with a confident 6-2, 7-6 win over American youngster Ethan Quinn. He followed that up with a solid straight-sets victory against Laslo Djere. His biggest test came in the quarterfinals, where he faced fifth seed Alex de Minaur. In a high-quality encounter, Alcaraz edged a tight first set and then raised his level in the second to close it out 7-5, 6-3. In the semis, he faced Arthur Fils in a rematch from Monte Carlo just a week ago. This time he eased past the Frenchman 6-2, 6-4 to book his spot in the final.
Holger Rune found his groove just in time for the European clay swing. The Dane is into his first final at the Barcelona Open and his second of 2025, following a runner-up finish in Indian Wells where he lost to Jack Draper. This week, he’s been nothing short of impressive, especially after retiring mid-match at the Monte Carlo Masters. He began with a breezy straight-sets win over Ramos Vinolas, before grinding out a tough three-setter against the gritty Sebastian Baez.
The quarterfinals saw Rune play some of his cleanest tennis of the season, dismantling Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2. He backed that up with a dominant performance against Karen Khachanov in the semis, taking the match 6-3, 6-2. Now boasting a 15-9 record on the season and improving to 4-2 on clay, the 21-year-old will be looking to end a two-year title drought—his last triumph coming on the clay courts of Munich in 2023.
Alcaraz vs Rune : Head-to-Head
Both players have faced each other thrice. Carlos Alcaraz leads 2-1 in their head-to-head.
2023 Wimbledon Quarterfinal: Alcaraz 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-4
2022 Paris Masters Quarterfinal: Rune 6-3, 6-6 ret.
2021 Next Gen ATP Finals Round Robin: Alcaraz 4-3(6), 4-2, 4-0
Prediction: Alcaraz in straight sets
Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune have both powered their way into the Barcelona Open final with statement wins, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown. Neither dropped serve in their semifinal matches—each coasting to victory with the kind of confidence and control that marks a player in top form. For Alcaraz, the win stretched his unbeaten streak to nine matches, a run that began with his title-winning effort in Monte Carlo.
The final promises a thrilling display of shot-making, athleticism, and aggressive baseline play. Both players thrive when they’re dictating rallies with their heavy groundstrokes, and on the slow red clay, expect plenty of long, grinding exchanges. Their shared love for the drop shot could be pivotal too—each one adept at using it to break the rhythm and yank opponents out of position.
Alcaraz enters the final with a slight edge, thanks to his track record on clay. He holds an outstanding 82-18 career record on the surface, and is a perfect 5-0 this year. His experience in high-stakes clay-court finals and his ability to flip defense into attack in a heartbeat make him especially dangerous.
Holger Rune’s serve has been solid, his ball-striking sharp, and he’s looked more composed than ever in his shot selection. If he can maintain that rhythm and keep the unforced errors in check, he has the tools to seriously trouble Alcaraz. The Dane’s power and growing tactical maturity could pose problems, but it’s consistency that may define his fate. The moment he dips, Alcaraz is likely to pounce. If the Spaniard plays with the same composure and fluid movement he’s shown all tournament, he will likely take the trophy.
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