Holger Rune powers past Khachanov to reach Barcelona Open final

Rune defeats Khachanov in straight sets to book Barcelona final showdown with Alcaraz or Fils.

Holger Rune of Denmark hits a backhand against Karen Khachanov during the men’s singles semifinal at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell 2025 at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 19, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Holger Rune powered past Karen Khachanov on Saturday to secure his place in the Barcelona Open final, continuing a standout run in the clay-court tournament. With a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory, the 21-year-old Dane made his intentions clear—he is gunning for the title. The win over Khachanov marks another impressive display in what has been a memorable week for Rune, who had already eliminated defending champion Casper Ruud the day before. The Holger Rune Barcelona Open surge has become one of the tournament’s headline narratives, as the world number 13 brings flair, precision, and relentless energy to the red dirt of Spain.

Rune dominates from the outset

From the opening rally, Rune dictated the pace, varying his shots and denying Khachanov any rhythm. The first set saw Rune break to love in the seventh game before breaking again in the ninth, sealing the set in just over 30 minutes. Khachanov, ranked 27th in the world, struggled to find his footing against Rune’s intelligent shot-making and mental sharpness.

Unlike many matches where the opening set offers a feeling-out process, Rune arrived fully locked in. His serve was consistent, his footwork was sharp, and he seemed to have a read on Khachanov’s game from the first ball.

A flawless second set from the Danish star

The second set only cemented Rune’s dominance. Breaking the Russian in the second game, Rune quickly consolidated to go up 3-0. Khachanov tried to fight back, saving two break points in the sixth game, but Rune broke again in the ninth to finish off the match with a crisp passing shot.

“It was definitely a very good match from my side,” said Rune after the victory. “I played very smart I think and put him under lots of pressure.”
He tallied 20 winners to just 13 unforced errors, a stat line that reflects both his aggressive intent and control of the match.

Rune’s ability to mix power with finesse, all while keeping his shot selection unpredictable, continues to frustrate opponents. Against Khachanov, he found the perfect balance between control and aggression.

Tactical brilliance and mental composure

More than just raw athleticism, Rune’s performance showed his growing maturity as a player. He didn't allow his level to dip after breaking early in both sets—a sign of mental strength that bodes well for the finals and beyond. Each shot seemed to have purpose, whether a deep topspin forehand or a well-disguised drop shot.

“I was keeping my pace on my shots well, mixing it up well and doing most things right today, so I'm very happy,” he said. That awareness of his game plan and execution is why many believe Rune could be a serious contender not just in Barcelona, but throughout the clay season.

Awaiting Alcaraz or Fils in the final

Rune’s next opponent will be decided in the second semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Arthur Fils. World number two Alcaraz is chasing his third Barcelona Open crown and recently bested Fils in Monte Carlo. Their clash promises high-octane tennis and will offer a starkly different challenge to Rune in the final.

Regardless of who he faces, Rune knows the task will be difficult. “No matter who it’s going to be in Sunday’s final, it’s going to be tough… I’m sure it’s going to be tough,” he said, acknowledging the level of talent that remains in the draw.

A Barcelona breakthrough for Rune

This marks the first time Rune has reached the final at the Barcelona Open, a significant milestone in his still-young career. While he’s no stranger to high-stakes matches—already holding an ATP Masters 1000 title from Paris—his presence in a tournament steeped in clay-court tradition like Barcelona adds to his growing resume on the surface.

With Roland Garros just around the corner, Rune’s performance this week sends a strong message to the rest of the field: he’s a force to be reckoned with on clay.

The evolution of Holger Rune

What makes Rune’s ascent even more compelling is the evolution of his game. Early in his career, Rune was known for his tenacity and physicality. Today, he blends those traits with improved decision-making and court awareness. The drop shots are better timed, the angles more acute, and his ability to reset during rallies has grown significantly.

Off the court, Rune’s confidence has also matured. He no longer appears rattled by pressure moments or distracted by crowd dynamics. Instead, he channels that energy into his game.

ATP context and rankings outlook

With this run, Rune not only positions himself for a potential Barcelona Open title but also for a rankings boost as the clay swing heats up. Currently ranked 13th, a win could propel him further up, possibly even putting him on track for a top 10 return before the French Open.

This is especially relevant given the competitive nature of the men’s tour this season, with players like Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev all contending for big points during the clay stretch.

A fan favorite in the making

Rune’s appeal extends beyond his tennis. His intensity on the court, animated celebrations, and ability to engage the crowd make him a standout presence. In Barcelona, he has won over fans with his flair and sportsmanship—rare for a player facing local favorites and top-seeded opponents.

His matches are not just contests; they are performances filled with suspense, drama, and brilliance.

Looking ahead to the final

Sunday’s final promises to be a thrilling encounter, whether Rune faces the explosive power and shot-making of Alcaraz or the athleticism and rising momentum of Fils. Either way, Rune’s form suggests he will enter the match with belief and a clear strategy.

In a tournament where clay-court artistry is celebrated, Holger Rune has made his mark—not just by winning matches, but by playing beautiful, calculated tennis that is easy on the eye and tough on opponents.

The Holger Rune Barcelona Open journey has become one of the sport’s most exciting stories this week, and with one match to go, Rune is poised for another breakthrough moment in his rising career.