World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final of the Qatar Open 2026 after defeating defending champion Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the semi-final.
The Spaniard registered a 7-6(3), 6-4 victory in a closely contested match played under the lights in Doha, converting his sixth match point to seal his place in the title clash, as per the ATP Tour website.
With the win, Alcaraz extended his unbeaten run in 2026 to 11 matches and reached his first final at the Doha ATP 500 event.
“I know what I am able to do every time I step on the court, what I am capable of doing,” Alcaraz said.
“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 was tested throughout the contest, failing twice to serve out the opening set and surrendering a 3-0 lead in the second before regaining control. He also missed three match points at 5-3 in the second set when Rublev mounted a late comeback, but broke back immediately and eventually secured victory after two hours and two minutes.
Reflecting on his approach, he said, “If you want to find a solution to a problem, you should find it in a calm place. It’s something I am working on. When I am playing and getting mad, seeing that I’m not at my best, I just get frustrated. That is not the place you will find solutions. In these matches, I have been really calm, thinking clearly, and being positive.”
Alcaraz will face France’s Arthur Fils in the final after the latter defeated Czech player Jakub Mensik 6-4, 7-5 in the other semi-final.
“It’s been a tough journey,” Fils said. “Eight months without playing tennis, just watching the other guys battling. Staying in my bed and doing recovery was very long. My team knows how tough it was, but now it feels even better when I am coming back like this.”
Looking ahead to the final, he added, “If you believe, then maybe you can do it, so I believe 100 per cent.
Let’s see tomorrow on the court, but for sure I am coming on court to fight.”
