Alcaraz Advances to Doha Quarterfinals, Extends Winning Streak
Doha, Qatar – – World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive form, securing a place in the quarterfinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open with a straight-sets victory over Valentin Royer. The match, held in Doha, saw Alcaraz overcome a second-set challenge to ultimately prevail 6-2, 7-5.
This win extends Alcaraz’s outdoor hard-court winning streak to 27 matches, a testament to his dominance on the surface. It also marks his 55th ATP Tour quarterfinal appearance.
“Obviously I had to be prepared for everything,” Alcaraz said on Sky Sports Tennis, reflecting on the match. “There were some moments when I thought about a third set, I’m not going to lie, but obviously it was just a small place in my mind that was thinking that. The rest was working to find solutions, to find the right way again.” He added, “I’m just really pleased and really happy I was able to find good rhythm again, and good tennis. It’s just about fighting.”
The Spaniard began strongly, taking the first set 6-2 with relative ease. However, Royer, currently ranked No. 53 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings after reaching the second round in Doha, mounted a spirited fightback in the second set, even taking a 5-2 lead. Alcaraz demonstrated his resilience, reeling off five consecutive games to close out the set 7-5 and secure the match.
“It’s a great number,” Alcaraz said, referring to reaching his 55th quarterfinal. “I’m not thinking of the number of quarter-finals, I think about the number of finals, that’s my mindset and goal.”
Alcaraz is competing in his first tournament since achieving a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open. The transition back to competition appears seamless, as he continues to display the form that has propelled him to the top of the men’s game.
In the quarterfinals, Alcaraz will face Russian Karen Khachanov, who earlier defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Khachanov was the 2024 champion in Doha, adding a layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
Sinner Also Advances
Joining Alcaraz in the quarterfinals is second seed Jannik Sinner, who defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. The Italian’s victory came in one hour and 25 minutes, setting up a last-eight tie against Jakub Mensik of Czechia.
The tournament continues to showcase top talent in men’s tennis, with both Alcaraz and Sinner demonstrating their readiness for the challenges ahead. The quarterfinal matches promise exciting contests as players vie for a place in the semifinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
Alcaraz’s ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated by his comeback in the second set against Royer, highlights his mental fortitude and competitive spirit. This quality, combined with his exceptional skill set, makes him a formidable opponent for any player on the tour.
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis, offering fans the opportunity to witness the action as it unfolds.
