Post by : Shakul
DOHA, February 20, 2026 — World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz delivered another statement performance as he advanced to the final of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, overcoming defending champion Andrey Rublev in a gripping semifinal encounter.
Alcaraz secured a straight-sets victory, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, in a high-quality contest that lasted just over two hours. Despite the scoreline, the match was fiercely contested, with Rublev pushing the top seed to the edge throughout both sets. The Spaniard needed six match points before finally closing out the win, highlighting the intensity and drama of the clash.
The opening set saw both players trading heavy baseline blows, with Rublev breaking back twice as Alcaraz attempted to serve out the set. However, Alcaraz showed remarkable composure in the tie-break, raising his level at crucial moments to claim it convincingly. His ability to stay calm under pressure once again proved decisive.
In the second set, Alcaraz struck early to gain an advantage, but Rublev refused to fade away, mounting a strong comeback and forcing several tense service games. The World No. 1 was tested repeatedly before eventually converting his sixth match point, sealing the victory to the delight of the crowd in Doha.
With this win, Alcaraz extended his unbeaten start to the 2026 season, underlining his consistency and mental strength on the ATP Tour. He will now face Arthur Fils in the final, after the Frenchman defeated Jakub Mensik in the other semifinal.
Alcaraz’s commanding run in Doha reflects his determination to continue dominating men’s tennis and add another title to his growing list of achievements early in the 2026 campaign.
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