Holger Rune, Jelena Ostapenko, and Elina Svitolina return to form with sensational victories, ending long trophy droughts in Barcelona, Stuttgart, and beyond

The tennis world saw a week of thrilling resurgences, with three players ending their respective trophy droughts in dramatic fashion. Holger Rune, Jelena Ostapenko, and Elina Svitolina reminded us all of their championship pedigree, with each producing incredible performances to lift coveted titles.

In Barcelona, Holger Rune delivered a captivating display of skill and resilience, stunning the home crowd with a hard-fought victory over two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz. Rune’s 7-6(6), 6-2 win marked his first title since 2023 and was a striking return to form after a tumultuous period. The Danish star, once regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the game following his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters final in 2022, had endured a series of setbacks. Ranking drops, loss of form, and health issues had plagued his journey, but his triumph in Spain was a clear indication that he is back at his best.

Rune’s road to the title wasn’t easy. Alongside Alcaraz, the 19-year-old also had to overcome strong opponents like Casper Ruud and Karen Khachanov. But his performance in the final was a masterclass in composure, precision, and athleticism, making it one of his best matches in recent memory. With this win, Rune climbs back to the number nine spot in the ATP rankings, signalling that he may be ready to contend for the sport’s biggest titles once again.

Meanwhile, Jelena Ostapenko made a powerful statement in Stuttgart, where she clinched her first title since the start of 2024. Known for her unpredictable style of play, Ostapenko delivered a string of unplayable performances throughout the tournament. Her victory was a testament to her strength and determination as she brought the best of her game to the court, leaving her competitors in awe. It was a title long overdue for the Latvian, who had been waiting to return to the winner’s circle.

On the WTA side, Elina Svitolina also ended her drought, showcasing her tenacity and poise to claim her first title in a considerable amount of time. The Ukrainian star’s win was significant, not only for her personal achievement but also for her resurgence after a period of uncertainty. Svitolina’s return to form has sparked hope among her fans, and her victory this week has proved that she remains a contender on the WTA Tour.

As the ATP and WTA Tours continue their relentless pace, these three champions have given fans plenty to look forward to. With their impressive victories, Rune, Ostapenko, and Svitolina have put the rest of the tennis world on notice, showing that even the most difficult periods can be overcome. As they gear up for the next challenges, all eyes will be on these stars to see if they can continue their winning ways and reclaim their spots at the very top of the tennis world.