Rune can enter ATP Top-10 with a win.
Jun 3, 2024; Paris, France; Holger Rune of Denmark reacts to a point during his match against Alexander Zverev of Germany on day nine of Roland Garros at Stade Roland Garros.
No. 6 seed Holger Rune returns to Pista Rafa Nadal a day after knocking out the defending Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell champion Casper Ruud. The Danish young gun takes on the unseeded Karen Khachanov in Super Saturday’s first semifinal in Catalonia. With a potential summit clash against either Carlos Alcaraz or Arthur Fils on the cards, the two players from the less favoured half of the draw will be raring to make their presence felt at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
Less than a fortnight ago, Holger Rune retired from his Monte Carlo Masters Round of 64 citing a stomach issue. Leaving his fans worried, the 21-year-old has pulled back with equanimity. He has won 78% service games on this surface, as well as over 38% break point conversion. Rune defeated Ramos-Vinolas, Baez and Ruud en route to the last four stage.
READ MORE: Holger Rune Sends Defending Champion Casper Ruud Packing to Enter ATP Barcelona Open 2025 Semifinal
A former Top-10 player, Karen Khachanov has struggled to find his footing in 2025. The Russian powerhouse was yet to reach a quarterfinal in eight attempts this year, until Barcelona came along. A two-time Grand Slam semifinalist and runner-up at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Khachanov has won over 80% of his service games on clay over the past year. Norrie, Munar and Davidovich Fokina were his victims to get to the semis.
0-0 is the head to head record between Holger Rune and Karen Khachanov.
While Khachanov is an experienced campaigner, Rune is a relatively young competitor. Regardless, he has already achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world, winning a Masters title in the process. On the other hand, Khachanov won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. He beat Carreno Busta (who defeated World No. 1 and No. 2 Djokovic and Medvedev) in the semifinal, before falling short against Zverev in the final.
READ ALSO: Carlos Alcaraz Storms Into ATP Barcelona Open 2025 Semifinals With Assertive Alex de Minaur Victory
Holger RuneCategoryKaren Khachanov0Grand Slams04ATP Singles Titles70ATP Doubles Titles11Masters-1000 Titles10ATP-500 Titles0–Olympics Best PerformanceSilver (Tokyo 2020)No. 13Current World RankingNo. 27
With the courts playing slower than normal due to the heat and external conditions, Rune will be favoured to take this match. He displayed excellent patience and consistency against Ruud, leading to an upset victory over the No. 2 seed. But considering Khachanov’s level against home favourite Davidovich Fokina, anything is possible. Expect nothing short of an intense duel.
Prediction: Holger Rune in three sets.
Holger Rune Win: 4/7
Karen Khachanov Win: 13/8
