Holger Rune Downs Casper Ruud In Scandinavian Battle At Barcelona Open

Holger Rune was able to win his second match against Casper Ruud in their mini-rivalry, reaching the 2025 Barcelona Open semi-finals.

There used to be many great tennis players coming from Scandinavia. In the past, it was mostly Sweden that dominated the ATP Tour, with legends such as Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander coming from the country.

These days, players from Denmark and Norway are among the best Scandinavians on the ATP Tour. Holding the Danish flag high is Holger Rune, while Casper Ruud proudly represents Norway, becoming the best-ever player to come out of the country after his father, Christian.

These two met seven times before meeting at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona this year, and Ruud has been a historically more successful player in this rivalry. In fact, the Norwegian had won six out of the seven matches that these two played before their meeting in Catalonia.

From the moment the first ball was hit, it was clear that Rune didn't want to further worsen his record against Ruud. The Danish player started with a bang, breaking his opponent's serve already in the opening game of the match.

Rune then faced two break points in the following game, but he saved both to lead 2-0. Not only that, the Danish youngster was able to work his way to a break point in the following game, even after Ruud had three game points himself.

The Dane converted the break point, and after four games played, he led 4-0. At the start of the fifth game, Rune once again showed that he meant business, using a body shot when Ruud approached the net.

A body shot is a completely valid and fair tactic, even though there have been some players complaining about it recently. Ben Shelton was on the receiving end of those complaints.

Ruud was then able to find some inspiration, breaking back once and decreasing his opponent's lead. Still, Rune then served perfectly for the remainder of the set to win it 6-4.

The 21-year-old Dane was able to deliver the same kind of intensity also in the second set. He broke Ruud's serve twice, while the Norwegian player couldn't create even one break point chance.

Rune won the match 6-4, 6-2, reaching the semi-finals at the 2025 Barcelona Open. Thanks to his win, he is now only one step away from securing a Top 10 return. If Rune beats Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals of the tournament, he will return to the Top 10, climbing all the way up to the World No. 9 position.

On the other hand, as a result of this loss, Ruud will exit the Top 10. The Norwegian player won the title in Barcelona last year, and after failing to defend it, he will fall to the World No. 15 position.