In the electrifying world of professional tennis, where power and precision collide, Carlos Alcaraz’s forehand has long been hailed as a weapon of mass destruction. The 21-year-old Spaniard’s blistering shot, capable of turning defense into offense in a heartbeat, has drawn comparisons to legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Yet, American star Tommy Paul, ranked World No. 13, has sparked a firestorm of intrigue with a bold claim: there’s a player on the ATP Tour with an even “crazier” forehand, one that would have thrilled tennis icon Andre Agassi to face. Speaking at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, Paul named Holger Rune as the player whose forehand surpasses Alcaraz’s, igniting debate among fans and players alike.
Paul’s revelation came during a press conference ahead of his second-round match in Madrid, where he reflected on the evolution of modern tennis. “Carlos’s forehand is incredible, don’t get me wrong,” Paul said, acknowledging the four-time Grand Slam champion’s prowess. “But if we’re talking pure chaos and unpredictability, I’d say Holger Rune’s got the edge. It’s just wild—spin, pace, angles, you name it. Agassi would’ve loved the challenge of rallying against that shot.” Rune, the 21-year-old Dane ranked No. 8, has made waves with his aggressive style, and Paul’s praise highlights the young star’s ability to unleash a forehand that defies conventional tactics. Agassi, a baseline maestro known for his own lethal groundstrokes, thrived on absorbing and redirecting power, making Paul’s hypothetical matchup a tantalizing prospect.
Rune’s forehand has been a cornerstone of his 2025 breakout season. Fresh off a Barcelona Open title, where he outlasted Alcaraz in a thrilling 7-6(8-6), 6-2 final, Rune showcased his shot’s versatility—ripping winners from impossible angles and dictating rallies with heavy topspin. “I felt like I could hit through anything,” Rune said after Barcelona, where his forehand accounted for 18 of his 30 winners. His performance in Munich, reaching the BMW Open semifinals, further solidified his clay-court credentials. In Madrid, Rune faces Dominik Koepfer in the second round, with a potential Alcaraz clash looming in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a forehand showdown that could test Paul’s claim.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, remains a Madrid favorite, despite concerns over an adductor injury sustained in Barcelona. His forehand, described by Paul as “one of the best shots in tennis,” has powered him to titles at the 2022 and 2023 Madrid Opens, including victories over Nadal and Novak Djokovic. “It’s a shot that can change a match in seconds,” Paul noted, recalling Alcaraz’s ability to “hit winners from nowhere.” Yet, Rune’s recent edge over Alcaraz—winning three of their five career meetings, including Barcelona—lends credence to Paul’s argument. Rune’s forehand, with its unpredictable spin and flatter trajectory, contrasts with Alcaraz’s high-octane, topspin-heavy approach, offering a different kind of threat.
Paul’s comments reflect his deep appreciation for the game’s nuances, shaped by his own rise as a versatile all-courter. The 27-year-old American, who reached the 2023 Australian Open semifinals, has faced both players this year, losing to Alcaraz in Miami but pushing Rune to three sets in Monte-Carlo. “Holger’s forehand just feels like it’s coming at you from everywhere,” he said, contrasting it with Alcaraz’s more structured power. His nod to Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion whose return game neutralized big hitters like Pete Sampras, suggests Rune’s shot would have tested even the greats. “Andre would’ve eaten that challenge up, trying to pick apart the angles,” Paul mused.
The claim has stirred lively discussion on social media, with fans split over the Rune-Alcaraz debate. Some argue Alcaraz’s forehand is unmatched for its consistency and flair, while others praise Rune’s “chaotic energy” as a game-changer. Posts on X highlight Rune’s Barcelona performance, with one user noting, “Holger’s forehand was like a missile.” As Madrid unfolds, the spotlight is on Rune to prove Paul right, especially if he faces Alcaraz on the clay of the Caja Mágica. For now, Paul’s bold take has added a fresh layer of intrigue to the ATP Tour, reminding fans that in a sport defined by great shots, Rune’s forehand might just be the wildest card in the deck.