The sun-drenched clay of the Pista Rafa Nadal at the 2025 Barcelona Open bore witness to a masterclass from Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2, as he stormed into his third final in four years with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Arthur Fils on April 19. The 21-year-old Spaniard, a two-time champion at this ATP 500 event, not only showcased his relentless athleticism and pinpoint shot-making but also captivated the crowd with an uncharacteristic celebration that sparked curiosity. Bouncing his hands, roaring with passion, and striking a pose with bent knees and arms outstretched, Alcaraz’s “silly” display was a departure from his usual understated salute. Post-match, he revealed its heartfelt meaning: “The celebration was for my team. They tell me every time during the match about a thing that I have to do. It wasn’t a dance. But it was something for them.”
Alcaraz’s journey to the Barcelona final has been a testament to his clay-court prowess. Fresh off a Monte-Carlo Masters title the previous week, where he outlasted Fils in a thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 quarterfinal, Alcaraz arrived in Barcelona brimming with confidence. His campaign began with a 6-2, 7-6(6) win over American qualifier Ethan Quinn, followed by a 6-2, 6-4 rout of Laslo Djere. In the quarterfinals, he overcame fifth seed Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-3, setting up the semifinal clash with Fils. Against the 20-year-old Frenchman, Alcaraz was clinical, breaking early and serving out the first set to love. Despite Fils saving two break points in the second set, Alcaraz’s relentless pressure secured victory in just 76 minutes, extending his Barcelona win streak to 14 matches. “Since I was a little kid, I watched the final every Sunday,” he said in his on-court interview. “Being in the final again means a lot, in front of my people and my friends who came from Murcia.”
The celebration, which Alcaraz later shared on social media with three surfing emojis and the caption “FINAL!!!!,” was a playful nod to his team’s encouragement. Speculation swirled among fans, with some suggesting it mimicked balancing on a surfboard, perhaps a lighthearted response to his coaches’ advice to “stay low” or maintain balance. “It’s been a really fun and great week,” Alcaraz told the crowd, hinting at the joy of competing at home. His team, led by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, has been instrumental in his rise, and this gesture underscored their tight-knit bond. Unlike Ben Shelton’s controversial Munich Open celebration, which drew criticism for perceived arrogance, Alcaraz’s was universally seen as charming, with fans on X calling it “endearing” and “pure Carlitos.”
The final pits Alcaraz against Holger Rune, who dispatched Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 to return to the top 10. Rune, who stunned Alcaraz in the 2022 Paris Masters when the Spaniard retired mid-match, poses a formidable challenge. “It’s gonna be tough,” Alcaraz acknowledged, but his 8-match ATP win streak and 15-1 clay record since last May make him the favorite. A third Barcelona title would mark his 19th career crown, his 10th on clay, and his third trophy of 2025, following Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo. “Let’s see if tomorrow we will end the day with the trophy,” he said, his optimism infectious.
Alcaraz’s dominance in Barcelona, where he’s lost only once (to Frances Tiafoe in 2021), reflects his deep connection to the event. His 2022 and 2023 titles, both won without dropping a set, have cemented his status as a hometown hero. Facing Fils, he exploited changes in direction and shot height, a stark contrast to their Monte-Carlo slugfest, where Fils pushed him to the brink. “I think his level is high right now and he puts a lot of pressure on his opponents,” Alcaraz said of Fils, praising his strength and physicality.
As Alcaraz prepares for Rune, the tennis world buzzes with anticipation. His celebration, a fleeting moment of levity, revealed the human side of a champion who thrives under pressure. With his family, friends, and Murcia faithful cheering him on, Alcaraz’s quest for a third Barcelona crown is about more than trophies—it’s about joy, connection, and a nod to the team that keeps him grounded. Whether he lifts the Conde de Godó trophy or not, his “silly” celebration has already won hearts.