Carlos Alcaraz shocked by Holger Rune within the Barcelona Open ultimate as Alexander Zverev wins in Munich | Tennis Information

Holger Rune spoiled the celebration within the ultimate of the Barcelona Open by beautiful dwelling favorite Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (8-6) 6-2.

Rune broke his 13-match dropping streak towards top-five gamers to say his first title since profitable in Munich in 2023.

The Dane rallied from a break deficit within the opener and transformed his fourth set level. He then soared clear within the second to disclaim Alcaraz, who took a medical time-out, a manner again in.

“It means the world, it was such an important match,” stated Rune. “At first, I used to be a little bit bit pressured, as a result of Carlos clearly performs big-time tennis. I needed to breathe loads and discover my rhythm. After he broke me, I received extra into the match and performed my tennis. The primary set was a giant battle, it was tremendous necessary to win it and achieve the momentum. I am so happy with myself.”

Alcaraz started strongly and broke serve within the fifth sport however fellow 21-year-old Rune hit straight again and from there was the higher participant, lastly taking his fifth set level within the tie-break.

Alcaraz utilized strain early within the second set however Rune withstood it, and it turned clear all was not nicely with the Spaniard when he headed off courtroom for a medical time-out.

His ultimate likelihood got here and went with two break factors within the sixth sport earlier than Rune celebrated his fifth ATP Tour title.

Rune revealed he thought again to Alcaraz’s defeat by Novak Djokovic within the Olympic ultimate final summer time as he sought a profitable technique.

“After I received damaged within the first set, I assumed to myself that I needn’t hit each shot on the road,” stated Rune. “So I [asked] myself: ‘What did Novak do when he beat him?’ I performed it in my thoughts, the Olympics ultimate, and tried to play that fashion, making a whole lot of balls. I am very proud of how I stayed composed when it mattered, and I used to be actually courageous.”

“Congratulations for a tremendous week,” stated Alcaraz. “Coming from Monte Carlo the place you needed to retire, coming right here to Barcelona… exhibiting nice tennis. For the individuals to get pleasure from… I recognize that. We have been seeing one another since 12 years outdated. Time flies. I am blissful to see us on this place. How far we have come collectively. Congratulations and preserve going.”

Story of the Tape

Zverev wins third Munich title

Alexander Zverev celebrated his birthday with a snug win over American Ben Shelton within the Munich Open ultimate to say a record-equalling third title.

The 28-year-old German crowd favorite delivered a composed show to beat second seed Shelton 6-2 6-4, securing his twenty fourth profession tour title and his first triumph of the season. He beforehand received the clay-court match in 2017 and ’18.

“It is extraordinarily particular, I at all times love profitable tournaments in Germany,” stated Zverev, who has now matched fellow German Philipp Kohlschreiber’s report of three Munich titles. “It is positively an important birthday current, let’s put it that manner.”

Backed by sturdy dwelling help, the highest seed dominated 22-year-old Shelton, breaking early to take management. He comfortably claimed the primary set 6-2 and opened the second with one other break to maintain up the momentum.

“I positively knew I needed to play my finest tennis as we speak, Ben has been taking part in extraordinarily nicely this week,” Zverev stated.

“The circumstances go well with him extraordinarily nicely, it is extremely popular and really quick. They go well with me as nicely, to be honest. I loved my birthday up to now.”

With Zverev profitable on dwelling soil in Munich, Alcaraz will drop again to 3rd on the earth rankings behind the German on Monday.

Ostapenko books Stuttgart ultimate spot towards Sabalenka

Unseeded Jelena Ostapenko powered into the Stuttgart Grand Prix ultimate with a 6-4 6-4 victory over fellow unseeded participant Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The 27-year-old will meet world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was made to work onerous for a 7-5 6-4 win over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to achieve her fourth ultimate in 5 years.

A finalist in Qatar this 12 months, Ostapenko saved up the strain and cruised to victory after an early break within the second set.

“I do not know however I really feel wonderful taking part in right here,” Ostapenko stated. “So pumped up. These sorts of matches, profitable three units, provides you confidence,” she stated.

“I used to be placing a whole lot of balls in. I’m very proud of myself.”

Sabalenka stated of Ostapenko: “She’s taking part in nice tennis proper now and it would not matter what occurred previously, I’ll go on the market tomorrow and battle prefer it’s the primary match and I’ll battle for this stunning automobile behind me. I encourage you, please, I want this automobile.”

Svitolina wins Rouen Open

Elina Svitolina received her 18th profession title and first since Might 2023, after beating Olga Danilovic within the ultimate of the WTA 250 Rouen Open in France – with out dropping a set all week.

The Ukrainian high seed dropped her serve within the opening sport of the match and after preventing again to get to 3-3, broke the Danilovic serve within the tenth sport to take the set.

Her Serbian opponent, seeded three, broke serve once more within the first sport of the second set, just for Svitolina to get again on phrases immediately and it went to a tie-break.

Danilovic had two set factors at 6-4 and 6-5, however could not convert both and Svitolina ultimately closed out a 6-4 7-6 (10-8) victory on her third match level.

Watch the Madrid Open – dwell on Sky Sports activities

Brits Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal return to motion on the Madrid Open, whereas Novak Djokovic is again in motion underneath the watchful eye of coach Andy Murray.

The largest names in tennis can be competing for the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 titles.

Watch the ATP and WTA Excursions, in addition to the US Open in New York, dwell on Sky Sports activities in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra dwell sport this 12 months at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.