In the high-stakes arena of professional tennis, where every shot can shift the tide of a match, Carlos Alcaraz’s forehand has long been revered as a devastating force, a blend of power and precision that evokes the brilliance of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Yet, at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, American star Tommy Paul, ranked No. 13 in the world, has thrown a curveball into the conversation, declaring that another young gun possesses an even more formidable weapon. In a press conference that sent ripples through the tennis community, Paul crowned Holger Rune’s forehand as “crazier” than Alcaraz’s, sparking fervent debate and setting the stage for a potential clay-court showdown that could redefine the ATP Tour’s hierarchy.
Paul’s provocative statement came as he prepared for his second-round match in Madrid, reflecting on the evolution of groundstrokes in modern tennis. “Carlos’s forehand is incredible, don’t get me wrong,” he said, paying homage to the 21-year-old Spaniard’s arsenal, which has powered him to four Grand Slam titles. “But if we’re talking pure chaos and unpredictability, I’d say Holger Rune’s got the edge. It’s just wild—spin, pace, angles, you name it. Agassi would’ve loved the challenge of rallying against that shot.” By invoking Andre Agassi, the baseline legend known for taming the biggest hitters of his era, Paul painted Rune’s forehand as a shot that could test even the greats, igniting curiosity about its place among tennis’s most lethal weapons.
Rune, the 21-year-old Dane ranked No. 8, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in 2025, his aggressive style and dynamic forehand propelling him to new heights. His recent triumph at the Barcelona Open, where he outmaneuvered Alcaraz in a gripping 7-6(8-6), 6-2 final, showcased the shot’s devastating potential. Rune unleashed 18 of his 30 winners with his forehand, dictating points with a mix of searing pace and wicked angles. “I felt like I could hit through anything,” he said post-match, a testament to the confidence his forehand inspires. His semifinal run at the BMW Open in Munich further cemented his clay-court prowess, setting high expectations as he faces Dominik Koepfer in Madrid’s second round, with a possible Alcaraz clash looming in the quarterfinals.
Alcaraz, a two-time Madrid champion, remains the hometown favorite, despite lingering concerns about an adductor injury from Barcelona. His forehand, which Paul described as “one of the best shots in tennis,” has been a cornerstone of his dominance, capable of producing winners from seemingly impossible positions. “It’s a shot that can change a match in seconds,” Paul noted, recalling Alcaraz’s flair for turning defense into offense. Yet, Rune’s head-to-head edge—winning three of their five encounters, including their latest in Barcelona—lends weight to Paul’s claim. Rune’s forehand, with its flatter trajectory and unpredictable spin, contrasts sharply with Alcaraz’s topspin-heavy, high-octane approach, creating a tactical puzzle that keeps opponents guessing.
Paul, a 27-year-old American whose all-court versatility earned him a 2023 Australian Open semifinal berth, brings a seasoned perspective to the debate. Having faced both players in 2025—falling to Alcaraz in Miami but battling Rune to three sets in Monte-Carlo—he’s uniquely positioned to compare their weapons. “Holger’s forehand just feels like it’s coming at you from everywhere,” he said, contrasting it with Alcaraz’s more predictable power. His reference to Agassi, whose return game neutralized giants like Pete Sampras, suggests Rune’s shot would have been a thrilling challenge for the eight-time Grand Slam champion. “Andre would’ve eaten that challenge up, trying to pick apart the angles,” Paul mused, conjuring images of a dream matchup that bridges tennis eras.
The claim has set social media ablaze, with fans passionately divided. Some champion Alcaraz’s forehand for its consistency and artistry, while others rally behind Rune’s “chaotic energy,” with one X post dubbing his Barcelona performance “like a missile barrage.” The debate has amplified anticipation for Madrid, where a potential Alcaraz-Rune clash could settle the score—at least for now. Alcaraz, nursing his injury but buoyed by the Caja Mágica’s electric crowd, will aim to reassert his dominance, while Rune looks to build on his clay-court momentum and prove Paul’s bold prediction right.
Paul’s remarks underscore the evolving nature of tennis, where young stars like Rune and Alcaraz are pushing boundaries with shots that blend raw power with tactical ingenuity. As the Madrid Open unfolds, all eyes are on Rune to deliver the forehand fireworks Paul so vividly described, and on Alcaraz to remind the world why his shot remains a benchmark. In a sport where great shots define legacies, Paul’s declaration has added a thrilling subplot, reminding fans that Rune’s forehand might just be the wild card ready to steal the show.