In a heart-wrenching finale at the 2025 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and two-time champion, fell to Denmark’s Holger Rune in a gripping 7-6(6), 6-2 battle on April 20, 2025. The match, played on the iconic Pista Rafa Nadal, was overshadowed by Alcaraz’s physical struggles, as he limped through the second set after a medical timeout, raising concerns about his participation in the upcoming Madrid Open. With an MRI scan scheduled to assess the extent of his injury, the tennis world holds its breath for the 21-year-old Spaniard, whose meteoric rise has captivated fans globally.
The final began with both players showcasing their brilliance, their shared history as junior rivals adding an extra layer of intensity. Alcaraz, fresh off a Monte Carlo Masters triumph, struck first, breaking Rune’s serve to lead 3-2 in the first set. However, inconsistency, a nagging issue this season, allowed Rune to break back immediately. The set culminated in a tense tiebreaker, where Alcaraz held an early edge but faltered with a forehand error, handing Rune the set 8-6. “It’s been two weeks of nonstop play, and it’s been a real challenge,” Alcaraz reflected post-match, his exhaustion evident. “Today wasn’t possible, but I gave everything I had. I don’t know if I could have pushed myself any harder.”
The second set took a dramatic turn after just three games when Alcaraz, visibly in pain, called for a physio and left the court for treatment on his right psoas muscle, which he reported caused discomfort when moving forward or backward. “Per reports, Alcaraz told the physio it’s something with his inner psoas muscle,” noted observers, highlighting the severity of the issue. Upon returning, Alcaraz’s movement was noticeably restricted, and his unforced error count soared to 33, a stark contrast to his usual precision. Rune, seizing the moment, maintained relentless pressure, breaking Alcaraz’s serve and closing out the set 6-2 to claim his maiden ATP 500 title and first crown since April 2023. The victory propelled Rune back into the Top 10, a fitting reward for a week of resurgence.
Alcaraz’s defeat ended his 10-match winning streak in Barcelona, where he had won titles in 2022 and 2023. His journey to the final included victories over Ethan Quinn, Laslo Djere, Alex de Minaur, and Arthur Fils, showcasing his clay-court prowess. Yet, the physical toll of back-to-back tournaments was undeniable. After clinching his sixth Masters 1000 title in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz admitted the grueling schedule had tested his limits. “It’s a privilege for me to return to Barcelona, which I feel was and is my home,” he had said earlier in the week, underscoring the emotional weight of playing before his fervent Spanish fans.
The injury scare now casts a shadow over Alcaraz’s Madrid Open campaign, where he is a two-time champion (2022, 2023). Scheduled for an MRI scan on April 21, 2025, to evaluate the psoas muscle issue, Alcaraz’s team remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges the uncertainty. The Madrid Open, a pivotal ATP-WTA 1000 event, is a cornerstone of the clay season, and Alcaraz’s potential absence would be a significant blow. His drop to No. 3 in the rankings, with Alexander Zverev reclaiming No. 2 after winning Munich, adds further pressure as the French Open looms.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz’s graciousness shone through. During the trophy ceremony, he congratulated Rune, a friend since their under-12 days. “Congratulations Holger on an amazing week,” he said, his voice steady despite the disappointment. “Coming from Monte-Carlo, [where] you had to retire. Coming here and showing a great effort to make the people enjoy watching tennis, I appreciate that.” Their shared history, from junior doubles at Les Petit As to ATP finals, made the moment bittersweet, with Alcaraz adding, “We’ve been seeing each other since [we were] 12 years old. Time flies. I’m really happy to see us in this position.”
As Alcaraz awaits the MRI results, his resilience and charisma remain unshaken. The Spaniard, who has won four Grand Slams and 18 ATP titles, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Whether he takes the court in Madrid or focuses on recovery for Roland Garros, where he is the defending champion, Alcaraz’s journey continues to inspire. For now, fans and analysts alike await news of his condition, hoping the young star can return to his dazzling best on the clay courts he calls home.