2025 Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell - ATP 500 Official thread

Who is winning the title?

  • Total voters
    34
StrongRule said:
It tells a lot if he can't physically handle another BO3 tournament at age 21.
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No one said he can't handle it, he's one of the fittest guys on tour. We're just talking about maximizing his chances for RG. Both times he won Madrid he ended up disappointing in Paris, it's never been great RG prep for anyone.
 
MeatTornado said:
No one said he can't handle it, he's one of the fittest guys on tour. We're just talking about maximizing his chances for RG. Both times he won Madrid he ended up disappointing in Paris, it's never been great RG prep for anyone.
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Ironically, Fed and Djokovic won their maiden RG titles after winning Madrid and no other clay masters.
 
An Alcaraz that does not allow significant drops, net of a Fils too foul-prone, this is the result on clay.

12 winners in front of 14 unforced errors, the high percentage tennis version of Alcaraz.
 
dxc said:
if Rune can keep his level, it will be a real test for Alcaraz. Rune has the better backhand and it has been on fire the last 2 matches. Even his forehand has looked deeper and more penetrating. But who knows, maybe the Rune against Draper in Indian Wells will show up...
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Seriously talented on dirt. Moves so well, defends so expertly and has the guile and craft to hang with the best. If his head and body doesn’t get in the way, he’ll go toe to toe with Raz until Raz starts spraying. There is a very good chance that Rune wins this contest.
 
dxc said:
Wow, Rune today and yesterday is very close to his best level. Followed him a lot and do not think I have ever seen him time the ball so well. Crazy level, will be a threat at French Open if he keeps up. Let's see tomorrow against Alcaraz or Fils if he can sustain it.
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Yah man, good to see Holger playing to his strengths again. Dude was relaxed and seemed to be enjoying himself too - excellent signs of confidence. Conserving energy to get the job done in straights against Khachanov, who could not put up a better contest.

Succession said:
Love this composed Raz. Clever matchplan and flawless execution so far
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Agree that, man. Dude seemed serene, played free, which is the crux of it for most players. Thus far, he got through without his best game. Sure he played at a higher level overall today, but still not at his best, yet making it to the final without dropping a set. Superb stuff. Must acknowledge though that Fils seemed less incisive today, leaking errors and looking uninspired. which no doubt worked to Carlitos' advantange.

If how they've both played today is a marker, it should be a cracking finals match between Holger and Carlitos. Looking forward to it.
 
MeatTornado said:
No one said he can't handle it, he's one of the fittest guys on tour. We're just talking about maximizing his chances for RG. Both times he won Madrid he ended up disappointing in Paris, it's never been great RG prep for anyone.
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Exactly. Madrid conditions are not similar at all to RG. Federer never played four clay warm-ups in his prime. The last thing you want is to arrive at RG tired or with a nagging injury. Three clay tournaments is plenty of prep for RG.
 
Hopefully the final is entertaining. Rune is probably the second best mover on the surface behind Alcaraz. His movement and backhand are elite. The forehand is weak though in my opinion.
 
nolefam_2024 said:
Rune with brain is worse than raz with brain.

At some point we have to also be honest. If raz brings his brain, what does rune have ? Worse forehand. This is power era.
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Yup, Rune guides/pushes his FH. Rune might win but not big. On the other hand I can see a potential beatdown from Alcaraz.
 
nolefam_2024 said:
He will likely get worse beat down than Fils.
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It's certainly possible, but Rune has a few different things he can do that maybe Fils hasn't figured out yet. Rune's one chance against Charles is to push, and rob him of pace and angles and hope he can disrupt his rhythm. If he tries to hit big it will be a beatdown and he likely knows that
 
IMG-8864.jpg
 
nolefam_2024 said:
Rune with brain is worse than raz with brain.

At some point we have to also be honest. If raz brings his brain, what does rune have ? .................
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Loooool, man - outstanding quip! Hilarious but also apt! No matter the outcome, the most superb assessment on a rivalry that I've read in a while. Hoping they both bring their games and brains!

@Nappa, that picture is sweet with the little Carlitos & Holger. They're almost the same age too, Holger about a week older.
 
Great week for both Alcaraz and Rune. Both playing exceptional tennis. I think Alcaraz is just to good currently on this surface but Rune should give him a good game.
 
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