Alcaraz Advances to Doha Quarterfinals, Faces Khachanov
February 18, 2026
Doha, Qatar – Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive 2026 season, securing his place in the quarterfinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open after a hard-fought victory over Valentin Royer. The win sets up a compelling quarterfinal matchup against former champion Karen Khachanov.
Alcaraz Battles Past Royer
Alcaraz defeated Royer 6-2, 7-5 in a match that tested his resolve. The Spaniard extended his flawless record for the year to 9-0, following his historic Australian Open triumph.
“It was really difficult,” Alcaraz said after the match. Archyde.com
The match saw Alcaraz face challenges, particularly in the second set where he faced set points while serving. However, he demonstrated his championship mentality, linking the last five games to secure the victory.
Khachanov Awaits in the Quarterfinals
Alcaraz will next face Karen Khachanov, the 2024 champion of the tournament. Khachanov advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
Alcaraz holds a dominant 5-0 head-to-head record against Khachanov, including a 1-0 advantage on hard courts. Their last meeting was in Rome in 2025, where Alcaraz won 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
“I am satisfied for having been able to recover a good rhythm and good tennis. The key is to fight. I know tennis, it is about going point by point.” atptour.com
Alcaraz’s Impressive Start to 2026
This tournament marks Alcaraz’s second appearance at the ATP 500 event in Doha. He has now won 9 matches in a row to start the 2026 season.
Did You Know?
Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to become the fourth Spanish champion of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Previous Spanish winners include Rafael Nadal (2014), David Ferrer (2015), and Roberto Bautista Agut (2019, 2022).
FAQ
- Who will Carlos Alcaraz play next? He will play Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals.
- What is Alcaraz’s record against Khachanov? Alcaraz leads 5-0.
- Where is the Qatar ExxonMobil Open being held? The tournament is being held in Doha, Qatar.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open and the ATP Tour.