• Holger Rune defeats Carlos Alcaraz in the Barcelona Open final with a score of 7-6(6) 6-2.
• This victory marks Rune's first ATP title in two years.
• Alcaraz struggled with a leg issue during the match and faced a medical timeout.
• Rune utilized a strategy inspired by Novak Djokovic to overcome his opponent.
• Alcaraz acknowledges the physical challenges of the claycourt season, expressing greater respect for Rafa Nadal's achievements.

Holger Rune secured a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz, winning the Barcelona Open final with a decisive score of 7-6(6) 6-2. Rune's win is significant as it marks his first ATP title in two years, breaking a drought since the Bavarian Open in April 2023, according to BBC.

Throughout the match, Rune showcased resilience, matching Alcaraz shot-for-shot in the first set before taking control in the second. Alcaraz, who had won the tournament in 2022 and 2023, faced challenges as he dealt with a leg issue that required a medical timeout, reports Reuters.

After the match, Rune shared that he was inspired by Novak Djokovic’s previous strategies against Alcaraz. "I thought to myself, 'OK, let's try to play that kind of style,' really make him play a lot of balls," Rune commented, showing his tactical approach to the game, according to Channel News Asia.

Despite Alcaraz's early lead in the second set, his inability to convert chances and a series of unforced errors contributed to his loss. Alcaraz reflected on the physical toll of consecutive tournaments, stating, "That's what happens when you play so many matches and have so few days to rest," emphasizing the demanding nature of the clay season, according to Reuters.

As Alcaraz prepares for the upcoming Madrid Open, he expressed respect for Rafael Nadal and the challenges of being consistently at peak performance, saying, "We admire Rafa for what he's done on this swing. Winning everything consecutively is impossible," highlighting his appreciation for Nadal's achievements on the tour and the pressures faced by elite players, according to Channel News Asia.