World No. 1 Continues Dominant Form

Doha, Qatar – Carlos Alcaraz has advanced to the final of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open after a hard-fought victory over defending champion Andrey Rublev. The top-seeded Spaniard secured the win with a score of 7-6(3), 6-4, extending his winning streak to 11 matches.

The match, lasting two hours and two minutes, saw Alcaraz demonstrate resilience and composure, converting his sixth match point to claim the victory.

A Test of Mental Fortitude

Alcaraz faced a stern test from Rublev, a two-time Doha champion. The opening set was particularly competitive, with Alcaraz initially leading before Rublev fought back. Despite challenges, Alcaraz maintained his focus and ultimately prevailed in the tiebreak.

“I know what I am able to do every time I step on the court,”

Carlos Alcaraz, via ATP Tour

The second set saw a similar pattern, with Alcaraz initially taking a lead before Rublev mounted a comeback. However, Alcaraz ultimately secured the decisive break to close out the match.

Looking Ahead to the Final

Alcaraz will now face Arthur Fils in the final, seeking his 26th tour title. Fils reached the final after defeating Jakub Mensik in the other semi-final.

This marks Alcaraz’s first appearance in the Doha final. He previously reached the quarterfinals in 2025, losing to Jiri Lehecka.

Alcaraz Reflects on His Performance

“The way that I am approaching every match, I’m just really proud about it. It’s something I am trying to be better at and it’s paying off. I’m proud of myself [for] getting better and maturing.”

Carlos Alcaraz, via ATP Tour

Alcaraz emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm and positive mindset during challenging moments. If you want to find a solution to a problem, you have to find it in a calm place, he stated.

FAQ

• Who did Carlos Alcaraz defeat to reach the final? He defeated Andrey Rublev.
• What is Carlos Alcaraz’s current winning streak? 11 matches.
• Who will Carlos Alcaraz play in the final? Arthur Fils.