Holger Rune’s dazzling performance in the ATP 500 final in Barcelona took many by surprise—except his mother.
The 21-year-old Dane delivered a near-flawless display to defeat Carlos Alcaraz, a player who had bested him in all their previous encounters. It was a remarkable return to form for Rune, who had recently struggled with inconsistency and off-court turbulence, including multiple coaching changes over the past 18 months.
Once tipped as a major threat to Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz’s emerging dominance, Rune’s ranking had slipped under the weight of expectations and questionable decisions. But in Barcelona, he looked like a player reborn.
A Tactical Masterclass from Rune
Rune, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, executed a near-perfect game plan from start to finish. His composure in critical moments—especially the first set tiebreak—proved decisive. Alcaraz, the hometown favorite, began to feel physical discomfort in the second set due to a right adductor issue, which limited his competitiveness and helped Rune seal the win.
In an interview with Ekstra Bladet ahead of the Madrid Open, Rune’s mother and long-time supporter, Aneke Rune, said she wasn’t shocked by his performance:
“We weren’t surprised by Holger’s level,” she said. “He trained intensely during the preseason and early 2025. Everyone on the team knew what he was capable of. Even Carlos knows him well—they’ve grown up competing together.”
Aneke also revealed that Holger had battled food poisoning in the weeks leading up to Barcelona, making his victory all the more satisfying. She expressed hope for continued strong showings in Madrid and Rome.
Madrid a Big Opportunity
With Alcaraz withdrawing from the Madrid Open due to injury, the draw has opened up, and Rune stands among the contenders who could benefit. Consistency has eluded him throughout his career, but signs now point to a more mature and focused player ready to take the next step.
Whether this resurgence continues through the clay court swing remains to be seen—but for now, Rune looks poised to reclaim a place among the ATP’s elite.
