Holger Rune put an abrupt end to Carlos Alcaraz’s nine-match winning streak on Sunday at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, where the Dane captured his first title of the season.
The sixth seed prevailed 7-6(6), 6-2 in a high-octane final to earn his fifth ATP Tour trophy. Rune rallied from a break deficit in the opener and converted his fourth set point. He then soared clear in the second to deny Alcaraz, who took a medical timeout, a way back in.
“It means the world, it was such a great match,” said Rune. “In the beginning, I was a little bit stressed, because Carlos obviously plays big-time tennis. I had to breathe a lot and find my rhythm. After he broke me, I got more into the match and played my tennis. The first set was a big battle, it was super important to win it and gain the momentum. I’m so proud of myself.”
The 21-year-old dispatched defending champion Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals and delivered a statement performance over 18-time tour-level winner Alcaraz to earn his third title on the surface.
Just by reaching the final in Barcelona, Rune ensured he will return to the Top 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday, surging from No. 13 to No. 9. Alcaraz was aiming to hold his No. 2 spot by claiming a third title of the season (also Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo), but Alexander Zverev will return to that position after triumphing in Munich.
“When I got broken in the first set, I thought to myself that I don’t need to hit every shot on the line,” added Rune. “So I [asked] myself: ‘What did Novak do when he beat him?’ I played it in my mind, the Olympics final, and tried to play that style, making a lot of balls. I’m very happy with how I stayed composed when it mattered, and I was really brave.”
© Copyrights Sixsports. All Rights Reserved.
