Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive start to the 2026 season by defeating Karen Khachanov in a thrilling three-set match at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The world number one showcased his resilience, overcoming his opponent with a score of 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-3 to secure a place in the semi-finals, where he will face defending champion Andrey Rublev.
After the match, Alcaraz reflected on the challenges he faced, noting that the opening set was particularly tough, with both players spurning multiple break points. “It was a really close and tight match,” he said. “In the first set I had a few break points and I couldn’t make them… I knew I’d had my chances, so it was time to keep fighting.”
Alcaraz’s victory marked his sixth consecutive win against Khachanov, improving his record to 10-0 for the season, as confirmed by the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The Spaniard also extended his impressive run in quarter-finals to 12-0 since losing to Jiri Lehecka in Doha the previous year.
The match began with a fierce exchange of powerful shots, but it was Khachanov who took the first set after edging out a tie-break. However, Alcaraz capitalized on his opportunities in the second set, breaking Khachanov’s serve to level the match. He maintained his momentum in the final set, showcasing his skill with a powerful crosscourt forehand that secured another break before going on to wrap up the match in two hours and 27 minutes.
Earlier in the day, Rublev further established himself in Doha by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6(2), extending his winning streak to eight matches in the tournament. The defending champion notably saved all five break points faced against him, leveling his head-to-head record with Tsitsipas to 6-6.
With the stage set for a highly anticipated semi-final clash, both Alcaraz and Rublev will look to continue their positive momentum, making the upcoming match a highlight of the tournament. Alcaraz’s performance has not only emphasized his growing prowess on the ATP circuit but also his determination to build on his recent successes, offering fans an exciting glimpse of what’s to come in the remainder of the season.