Holger Rune celebrates winning match point over Daniil Medvedev to win their ATP semifinal in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025.

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Holger Rune Channels ‘Inner Novak Djokovic’ to Upset Carlos Alcaraz in 2025 ATP Barcelona Open Final

Alcaraz drops back to World No. 3 behind Zverev.

Holger Rune celebrates winning match point over Daniil Medvedev to win their ATP semifinal in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025.

A Holger Rune masterclass ensured that Carlos Alcaraz failed to retain his World No. 2 ranking after losing out in the final of the 2025 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. After dropping the opening set, the Spaniard tried to drag himself back. However, Rune showed no remorse and emerged a 7-6(6) 6-2 victor. This is Rune’s first crown in the Catalonian capital, denying Alcaraz back-to-back clay court trophies in 2025. After the match, Rune revealed how Novak Djokovic involuntarily gave him a nudge towards the title.

Alcaraz came into the match with a 2-1 record against Rune. The four-time Grand Slam champion has won two titles in 2025, including the recently concluded Monte Carlo Masters. On the other hand, Rune was forced to retire at the Principality due to some stomach issues. However, he roared back to form on Pista Rafa Nadal, and took everyone by surprise with his sky-high level of tennis in the summit clash.

Holger Rune Dominates Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona

Sunday’s main event happened to be the youngest final in Barcelona since 2006. With the backdrop of a capacity crowd on Pista Rafa Nadal, it was Alcaraz who made the first big move in the final. However, he got immediately broken back and suffered a sudden drop in level. With multiple opportunities to take control of the set, the reigning Roland Garros champion didn’t capitalise. Up 3-1 in the tiebreak, Rune turned the tables and took a set off Alcaraz for the first time all week.

Producing such a high level over the course of an entire match was never going to be sustainable. At least that’s what one thought, until Rune proved the world wrong. Saving 80% break points and hitting more winners in comparison to Alcaraz, the Danish sensation secured two more breaks in Set-2. Serving for the match, he closed it out with a hold to love for a historic win.

Rune Took Inspiration From Novak Djokovic En Route to Alcaraz Win

While the victory snapped Rune’s 13-match losing streak against Top-5 players, he is currently on a 4-match winning run vs Top-10 ATP stars. Upon being asked how he upset the odds and captured his fifth career title, Rune had an interesting take. The 21-year-old referenced 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Holger Rune on beating Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona final

“I told myself, ‘what did Novak do when he beat him?’ I kind of played it in my mind… the Olympic final. Amazing match. I thought to myself 'let's try to play that kind of style'

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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 20, 2025

“I told myself, ‘What did Novak do when he beat him?’ I kind of played it in my mind,” he revealed. Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match in an encounter that will be remembered on Court Philippe Chatrier for many years. “I kind of played it in my mind – the Olympic final – an amazing match. I thought to myself, ‘Let’s try to play that kind of style.’”

Rune’s victory means that Alexander Zverev will regain the World No. 2 spot as we inch closer to Roland Garros. Who will achieve the No. 2 seeding at the illustrious red dirt major? Let’s wait and watch.

Alexander Zverev

ATP

ATP 500

Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz

Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic

Tennis

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.