From the first day to the last, Rune smiled in Barcelona

The first moment this writer saw Holger Rune at the facilities of the Reial Club de Tenis Barcelona, specifically by the pool area before starting the Media Day with the ATP, he thought that he could do interesting things during his week in the Pedralbes neighborhood, despite being eliminated in his debut at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000. Another surprising thing was the joy and happiness he exuded. Both the young man and his mother, Aneke Rune, a chain smoker, appeared very relaxed and calm, as if they came from the future and knew that Holger Rune would be crowned champion of the Conde de Godó 2025.

"I keep thinking about my tennis and my preparation. Before getting sick, I was doing very well in Monaco. I was working day by day as always, to improve and believing in myself, and I am fresh and energetic to come back," he said upon landing in the city.

One match at a time and with good grace

The impression that the young Dane could be the tournament surprise increased after his first match, where he outplayed Albert Ramos (7-5, 6-4), displaying very aggressive tennis. And especially after defeating Sebastián Báez, one of the players with the most victories on clay in recent years, after coming back from a set down and dismantling the Argentine in the following two sets (4-6, 6-1, 6-2).

Despite the buzz at the Barcelona club, Rune himself lowered expectations: "You could say that this is my first clay court tournament, so I'm just taking it one match at a time," but he warned: "I'm playing very good tennis and I'm raising my game every day."

On Friday, the probabilities turned into reality as Rune showed his title candidacy by dominating the reigning Godó champion, Casper Ruud, whom he eliminated by 6-2 and 6-4 in a match where it was becoming evident that his cross-court forehand would be a serious threat to anyone he faced.

Meanwhile, within the club, he was still seen relaxed and enjoying spring in Barcelona. He gave interviews, smiled at the club members, and kept signing autographs. Also, this state of calm was visible in his matches, something not normal for him, as he is capable of switching from good to bad in less than a second.

Nothing to lose against Alcaraz

From those volcanic reactions, he transitioned to an unheard-of serenity and focus. And thus, he defeated Karen Khachanov (6-2, 6-3) without any issues to reach his first ATP 500 final. Up next was Carlos Alcaraz, but Rune confessed in a press conference that he was going all out. "I don't have much to lose. He is the favorite. But again, I believe in myself. I will prepare, be ready to fight, play my game, and go all out."

And he indeed went all out. So much so that he spoiled the party for the fans gathered in the Rafa Nadal Court and for some journalists in the press room who ventured to make a prediction before the final: "Carlitos wins very easily today," one asserted; "6-2, 6-2," another ventured to say. But this writer's feelings insisted that, although he might not defeat the Spaniard, it would be a three-set match.

In the end, neither the one thing nor the other, because Rune didn't need three sets to defeat an Alcaraz who was surprised by the level and demand the Dane brought to the court. So much so that the body language of the Spaniard indicated that this tour had only just begun, with Madrid, Rome, and Paris in sight he lowered his intensity and succumbed to the Dane (7-6(8), 6-2). The 21-year-old lifted the trophy on the Rafa Nadal Court while his mother, who enjoyed as much or even more than him during their stay in the Catalan capital, couldn't stop applauding her son.

The surprise was confirmed in Barcelona, but also a reaffirmation of a Rune who, after the traditional champion's dip in the club's pool, where he appeared carefree a week prior, stood before the press one last time. And when asked if he sees himself as a favorite in the Mutua Madrid Open he looked at this writer with a wide smile, laughed, and confessed: "Yes, I am very happy with this week, but I want to keep building my game, and I know I can play much better," he warned.

The new world number eight bid farewell to the Godó press room, which for the rest of the year is just another room at the Reial Club de Tenis Barcelona gym, with a clear message: "Now it's Madrid's turn, then comes Rome, and finally Paris. That is my main goal," declared the newly crowned Godó champion, all while smiling, just as he had throughout his week in Barcelona.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Desde el primer día hasta el último, Rune sonrió en Barcelona