Falling before the "gates of heaven"

Alcaraz showed great form and character at the Barcelona Open 2025. On his way to the final, the Spanish player did not lose a single set. However, here, "Little Nadal" fell before the "gates of heaven" after losing 0-2 to Holger Rune. This defeat caused Alcaraz to lose the world No. 2 position to Alexander Zverev.

At the Barcelona Open 2025, the Spanish player reached the finals with an absolute victory over all opponents. The difficulties only started for Alcaraz from the quarterfinals. However, in the quarterfinal match, " Little Nadal" did not give Alex De Minaur a chance to prolong the match between them like in the previous Rotterdam Open final. In the semi-finals, Alcaraz met Arthur Fils again, the opponent he had just defeated in Monte Carlo. This rematch was more tense and exciting, but the winner was still "Little Nadal".

Alcaraz's opponent in the final was Holger Rune. Although the Danish player played inconsistently and had ups and downs, Holger Rune even had to withdraw from Monte Carlo in the first round. However, Rune's journey in Barcelona was admirable, especially when he defeated two opponents who were capable of playing well on clay, Sebastian Baez and the defending champion Casper Ruud. Therefore, even though he had to face a "Little Nadal" who was in extremely good form, Holger Rune was not afraid. Playing fairly and bravely in the decisive moments, Rune made his childhood friend "feel regret".

Alcaraz entered the final of the Barcelona Open 2025 with high confidence. But as soon as the match started, Rune showed his sharpness with accurate shots. On the other side of the net, Alcaraz also won points easily in his service games. In game 5, Alcaraz broke to lead 3-2, thereby taking a great opportunity to end set 1 as he had done in previous matches. However, that scenario did not happen. Rune immediately broke back in the next game and then held the white serve to lead 4-3. Alcaraz immediately equalized 4-4 with a beautiful drop shot. The match entered a highly balanced battle, both dragged each other into a tie-break series. Here, Rune won 7-6, forcing Alcaraz to lose the first set of this year's tournament.

Entering set 2, Rune, with his brilliant backhands, played better and better. He continuously put pressure on Alcaraz's serve. The Danish player broke in the 5th game to lead 3-2. In the remaining games, Rune played extremely well, thereby not giving "Little Nadal" any chance to gain more points. Ending set 2 with a score of 6-2, winning 2-0 overall against Alcaraz, Holger Rune officially became the "New King" of Barcelona Open 2025.

It can be seen that Alcaraz's form, especially his courage, is quite impressive at the moment. However, if Alcaraz continues to lose his form and lack courage at the most important moments, and then falls before the "gates of heaven" like in the final of the Barcelona Open 2025, then the No. 1 position will "still be a long time" before "Little Nadal" returns.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/guc-nga-truoc-cong-thien-duong-129578.html