Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Carlos Alcaraz had to dig deep against defending champion Andrey Rublev at the Qatar Open, but the top seed eventually sealed his place in the final after converting his sixth match point in a tense finish. The World No. 1 claimed a 7-6(3), 6-4 victory in Doha, stretching his unbeaten run in 2026 to 11 matches.
Although he failed to close out the opening set on two separate occasions and saw a 3-0 advantage slip in the second, Alcaraz kept his nerve in the key moments to book his first appearance in the Doha ATP 500 final after two hours and two minutes on court.
“I know what I am able to do every time I step on the court, what I am capable of doing. 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,” Alcaraz said when asked if he is ever amazed by himself, as quoted by ATP. The win improved Alcaraz’s head-to-head record against Rublev to 5-1.The Spaniard will take on France’s Arthur Fils as he chases the title.
Since capturing the Australian Open in January, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam, the 22-year-old has carried himself with assurance. Still, his campaign in Doha has tested his resolve. After battling past former champion Karen Khachanov in a three-set quarter-final, Alcaraz was again pushed to his limits by Rublev.
