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Holger Rune is back in the winner’s circle after triumphing over Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (6), 6-2 in the Barcelona Open, marking his first ATP title since his victory at the BMW Open in Munich in 2023. Rune’s performance was characterized by strategic gameplay rather than his previously outspoken demeanor, indicating a maturation process that could bode well for his future following some challenging years.
The 21-year-old drew inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s historic Olympic win over Alcaraz, applying a similar tactic to navigate a rocky start to the final. “When I got broken in the first set, I thought to myself that I need to focus on the bigger picture. What did Djokovic do when he defeated him? I replayed that match in my mind, and decided to emulate that style, making Carlos work hard for every point. I’m really pleased with how I maintained my composure when it mattered most. I was also brave at crucial moments,” Rune reflected.
Alcaraz faced challenges in breaking down his opponent, who had recently recovered from food poisoning that forced him to withdraw from his Monte Carlo opener just days prior. While Alcaraz had showcased his prowess on the clay surface, particularly after decisively defeating Arthur Fils in the semifinals, this match revealed vulnerabilities. Alexander Zverev, by winning the Munich Open against Ben Shelton, has now surpassed Alcaraz in the ATP rankings.
The first sign of trouble for Alcaraz came when he called for a medical timeout to address discomfort in his hip after the third game of the second set. The match shifted as Rune demonstrated resilience, rebounding from an uncertain start to claim eight consecutive points. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s forehand, previously a weapon, began to falter reminiscent of his performance against Djokovic in Paris last year.
“Winning the first set was crucial; it was a tough battle, and gaining that momentum was so important. I’m incredibly proud of my performance,” Rune stated, as he prepares to climb back into the top 10 of the ATP rankings on Monday.
Although Rune is just slightly older than Alcaraz, who has already amassed an impressive 18 tour titles—including two Wimbledons, a French Open, and a U.S. Open—there is a perception that Rune’s talent may be overshadowed by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who dominate the current major tournaments.
Rune’s significant achievement thus far remains his victory at the Paris Masters against Novak Djokovic in 2022. Despite his evident skill on the court, much of the narrative surrounding Rune has focused on his emotional control while playing. He acknowledges the need for improvement in this area but firmly dismisses comparisons to players known for their off-court antics, such as Nick Kyrgios. Rune expressed, “Being young does come with its challenges. But when you’re on such a big stage, it’s essential to act responsibly,” as Casper Ruud noted after their encounter in the 2022 French Open quarterfinal.
Reflecting on his rapid ascent—including his unseeded Masters title at just 19—Rune has expressed doubts about his readiness to handle such pressures, admitting that he questioned whether his ranking as world No. 4 was merely an anomaly due to his peers’ performance. Daniil Medvedev has praised Rune’s raw talent, acknowledging that he possesses a full arsenal of shots, but noted that the challenge lies in harnessing that ability under pressure.
Rune’s triumph over Alcaraz marked a significant milestone, as it was his first victory against a top-five player in 14 attempts. This win showcased the grit and determination often seen in major champions, a trait that Djokovic once commended in him. However, Rune did not shy away from admitting to feeling initially overwhelmed, stating, “I felt some pressure, considering Carlos plays at such a high level.” Will this victory alter his self-perception moving forward?
Having faced his share of growing pains similar to Alcaraz, Rune now finds himself at a pivotal moment, needing to focus on advancing deeper into Grand Slam tournaments. Despite a promising start to his career, he has yet to reach a Grand Slam semifinal. In his teenage years, Rune seemed poised to accomplish great things, and now is the time to consolidate his skills and demonstrate that he is a serious contender in the world of tennis.
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