Alcaraz masters tough conditions for third Barca final

Carlos Alcaraz booked his third straight final at the Barcelona Open on a windy Saturday, repeating his win from last week over Arthur Fils.

The Spanish top seed advanced 6-2, 6-4 into Sunday’s title match, where he takes on Holger Rune for the first time on clay.

Rune, a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Karen Khachanov, stands 1-2 against Alcaraz on the Tour, with the pair meeting 20 times (10-10) in juniors.

In Monte Carlo eight days ago, Alcaraz needed to come from a set down to beat Fils on his way to the title.

The Barcelona meeting was less dramatic for the local world No. 2, owns titles here from 2022 and 2023 (he was injured and did not play in 2024). He has now won his last 14 Barcelona matches.

Alcaraz was helped in the first set as Fils twice lost serve on double-faults, The French challenger lifted in the second set but was still unable to break through.

He drew a code violation for ball abuse after losing ser to trail 2-1 but saved two match points before Alcaraz clinched victory in 76 minutes.

Alcaraz won his ninth straight clay match, with Fils striking a massive 38 unforced errors.

“I’m just glad it was sunny, even if the wind was really tough to deal with,” Alcaraz said. “He was playing fantastic tennis,

“I had to do what I had to do – and I did it pretty well. I focused on my game and hitting the right shot. I’m happy I was able to do that.

“To be in this final again means a lot. I used to watch the Barcelona finals on TV as a little kid. Let’s see if I can end with the trophy tomorrow in front of my people.”