omnisport-Shreya Sanjeev
Carlos Alcaraz required just 50 minutes to dispatch Arthur Fils and win the Qatar Open for the first time.
Just under three weeks on from his triumph over Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, Alcaraz captured his second title of the season with a 6-2 6-1 victory in Doha.
Alcaraz set the tone by breaking Fils in the very first game, and the world number one needed only 28 minutes to wrap up the first set.
It was a similar story in the second set, with Alcaraz reeling off successive breaks to take complete control.
Victory was sealed against Fils’ serve, too, with Alcaraz – despite being pinned back behind the baseline – executing a perfect forehand passing shot to round off a stunning victory.
“I came this year hungry for more,” said Alcaraz.
“I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. I’m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court.
“It’s been a really strong start to the year. I had to be strong mentally with my team. I’m just playing great tennis and I’m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me.”
Data Debrief: Alcaraz matches Andy
Across his glittering career, Andy Murray won nine ATP 500-level titles. Alcaraz, at the age of 22, has already equalled the British great.
Only the big three of Roger Federer (16), Rafael Nadal (15) and Djokovic (14) have won more such titles since the format’s introduction in 2009.
It is now 12 straight wins for Alcaraz, who has 26 ATP Tour-level crowns overall.
Story first published: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 12:43 [IST]
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