Holger Rune spoiled the holiday in the final of Barcelona open from the stunning favorites of Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (8-6) 6-2.
Rune broke his 13 games losing his belt against the top five players to search his first title since profit in Munich in 2023.
Dane was gathered by a holiday deficit in the open and converted his fourth point. He then grew clearly in the second to deny Alcaraz, who took a medical time, a way out.
“It means the world. It was such a great match,” Rune said. “At first, I stressed a little, because Carlos undoubtedly plays a great deal of time. I had to breathe a lot and find my rhythm. After he broke me, I got into the match and played my tennis. The first set was a big battle, it was very important to win it and win the momentum. I am so proud of myself.”
Alcaraz began strongly and broke down served in the fifth match, but 21-year-old friend Rune was hit and from there he was the best player, finally taking his fifth point in the connection.
Alcaraz applied pressure early in the second set, but Rune resisted it, and it became clear that everything was not good with the Spaniard when he was led by the court for a medical time.
His last chance came and went with two points of rest in the sixth match before Rune celebrated his fifth ATP Tour title.
Rune revealed that he thought again in the loss of Alcaraz by Novak Djokovic in the Olympic final last summer as he sought a winning strategy.
“When it was broken in the first set, I thought to myself that I didn’t need to hit every blow on the line,” Rune said. “So I (I asked) myself,” Did Novak do when you beat him? “I played in my mind, the Olympiad’s final and tried to play that style, making a lot of balls.
“Congratulations on an amazing week,” said Alcaraz. “Coming from Monte Carlo where you have to retire, coming here in Barcelona … showing great tennis tennis. For people to enjoy … I appreciate it. We’ve seen each other from 12 years old. Time flies. I am happy to see us in this position.
fairytale
Zverev wins Munich’s third title
Alexander Zverev celebrated his birthday with a comfortable win over America Ben Shelton in the Munich Open final to look for a third title equal to record.
The favorite of the 28-year-old German crowd gave a composed show to overcome the second Shelton 6-2 6-4 seed, providing his 24th career tournament and his first triumph of the season. He previously won the Argila tournament in 2017 and ’18.
“Extremely is extremely special, I always love the victory tour in Germany,” said Zverev, who has now match the record of German friend Philipp Kohlschreibeer of the three Munich titles. “Definitely is definitely a great birthday gift, let’s say it.”
Backed by strong home support, the high seed prevailed 22-year-old Shelton, breaking early to take control. He easily claimed the first 6-2 set and opened the second with another break to continue the momentum.
“I definitely knew that I had to play my best tennis today, Ben has played extremely well this week,” Zverev said.
“Conditions fit him extremely well. It’s very hot and very quickly. They also fit me. Be right. I liked my birthday so far.”
With Zverev’s victory on the house in Munich, Alcaraz will fall back to third place in the world ranking after German on Monday.
Books Ostapenko Stuttgart last point against Sabalenka
Jelena Ostapenko Famous won French Open in 2017 with a high tennis brand great tennis and impossible winners
Invisible residue Enabled in the final of Stuttgart’s Grand Prix with a 6-4 6-4 win over his unnecessary player Ekaterina Alexandrova.
The 27-year-old will meet world No. 1 Sabalenkawhich was done to work hard for a 7-5 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini, Italy to reach its fourth final in five years.
A finalist in Qatar this year, Ostrapenko continued pressure and sailed to victory after an early break in the second set.
“I don’t know, but I feel amazing playing here,” Ostapenko said. “So pump. Those kinds of matches, winning three groups, give you confidence,” she said.
“I was putting a lot of balls. I’m very happy with myself.”
Sabalenka told Ostapenko: “She is playing excellent tennis now and it doesn’t matter what happened in the past, I will go there tomorrow and fight as if it’s the first match and I will fight for this beautiful car behind me. I please, I need this car.”
Look Madridin Open – Live in Sky Sports
Brits Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Sonay Cartal return to Madrid Open, while Novak Djokovic has returned to action under the watchful eye of coach Andy Murray.
The biggest names in the tennis will compete for the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 titles.
Look at Tours ATP and WTA, as well as US Open in New York, Live on Sky Sports in 2025 or broadcast with Sky Sports app, giving customers Sky Sports use over 50 percent more Live sport this year at no additional cost. Learn more here.
