Doha, Qatar – – Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant form at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, securing a quarterfinal berth with a hard-fought victory over Valentin Royer. The top seed overcame a determined Royer, ultimately prevailing in straight sets. This win extends Alcaraz’s flawless start to the 2026 season to 9-0 and further solidifies his position as a leading contender on the ATP Tour.
Alcaraz’s path to the quarterfinals wasn’t without its challenges. He previously navigated a tricky opening round against Arthur Rinderknech on , saving two set points in a tense second set before securing a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory. That win marked his 150th tour-level hard-court win, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. “It was really difficult,” Alcaraz said after the Rinderknech match. “Arthur is a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play against him in the first round… I’m happy with the level. I’m happy that I got through difficult moments in the match. I’m happy that I stayed calm [and] positive, and played great tennis.”
The match against Royer presented a different kind of test. While details of that specific match are still emerging, reports indicate Alcaraz was forced to elevate his game to overcome a resilient opponent. Alcaraz showcased his signature shotmaking, particularly his drop volley, winning an impressive 76 per cent (16/21) of his net points against Rinderknech. It’s likely this aggressive net play continued to be a key component of his strategy against Royer.
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open has already seen several top players advance. Defending champion Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and Stefanos Tsitsipas have all secured their places in the later stages of the tournament. Khachanov, in particular, is a player to watch, as he is scheduled to face Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on . This matchup represents a significant challenge for Alcaraz, pitting two of the tour’s most dynamic players against each other.
Alcaraz’s performance in Doha comes on the heels of a historic achievement at the Australian Open, where he became the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam. He has seamlessly transitioned from the hard courts of Melbourne to those of Doha, demonstrating his adaptability and consistency. His current 9-0 record for the season underscores his commitment to maintaining a high level of play.
The Spaniard’s motivation extends beyond individual success. He has openly expressed his desire to compete against Jannik Sinner, acknowledging the Italian’s strong start to the season. “I want to face Sinner,” Alcaraz stated, “It motivates me to give my best level.” This rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling storylines in men’s tennis, and a potential showdown between the two at a later tournament looms large.
The quarterfinals will feature a compelling lineup of players, including Arthur Fils, who secured a victory over Jiri Lehecka (8) with a score of 6-3, 6-3 on . Other notable players still in contention include Alexei Popyrin, Andrey Rublev, and Daniil Medvedev. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with several players vying for the title.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s performance in Doha will be closely scrutinized as he continues his preparation for the upcoming hard-court swing. His ability to navigate challenging matches and maintain his composure under pressure will be crucial as he aims to add another trophy to his collection. The match against Khachanov promises to be a captivating encounter, testing Alcaraz’s resilience and tactical prowess.
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open continues to deliver exciting tennis action, with Alcaraz leading the charge. His dominant form and unwavering determination make him a formidable force on the ATP Tour, and fans eagerly anticipate his next challenge.
