Carlos Alcaraz hands Arthur Fils a tennis lesson again, sets up Barcelona Open Final against Holger Rune

Carlos Alcaraz continues to assert his dominance in the 2025 season, particularly on clay, where his level has reached new heights. Since a surprising second-round exit at the Miami Open, the Spaniard has rebounded in emphatic fashion, stringing together nine consecutive wins on the red dirt. His latest victory sees him reach a third career final at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell (Conde de Godó Trophy).

The 20-year-old powered past Arthur Fils in the semifinals with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win, extending his streak without dropping a set in this year’s tournament. The Frenchman, who had troubled Alcaraz just a week prior in Monte Carlo, had no answers this time around. Awaiting Alcaraz in the final is a familiar rival—Holger Rune. Born just days apart, the two have grown up competing against each other and will now renew their rivalry on one of the sport's most iconic clay courts.

Windy conditions added an extra layer of challenge to the second semifinal in Barcelona, but Alcaraz looked unfazed from the start. Fils entered the match in good form, boasting a 12–3 record over his last 15 matches. However, the weight of playing Alcaraz on Spanish soil—and on clay—proved too much.

The world No. 2 struck early, breaking Fils in the second game and quickly establishing control. Alcaraz dictated play with his trademark intensity and precision, while Fils struggled to find rhythm, committing a flurry of unforced errors. A second break sealed the opening set 6-2, with Alcaraz barely putting a foot wrong on serve.

The second set offered a slightly more competitive edge, as Fils tightened up his game and reduced his error count. Still, it was not enough to derail Alcaraz’s momentum. The Spaniard remained locked in, striking with intent and holding firm under pressure.

Fils managed to extend rallies and grab a couple of games, but Alcaraz was never in real danger. Serving for the match at 5-4, he closed it out with confidence, wrapping up the straight-sets win in just under 90 minutes: 6-2, 6-4.

Alcaraz now heads into the Barcelona final in imperious form, seeking a third title at the tournament and further cementing his status as the man to beat on clay this season.