Alcaraz Advances in Doha, Sets Up Khachanov Clash; Tsitsipas Eyes Rublev Rematch
Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive form at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on Wednesday, overcoming Valentin Royer 6-2, 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals. The world No. 1 now boasts a nine-match winning streak, building on his recent Australian Open triumph. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas secured a notable victory over Daniil Medvedev, setting up a semi-final showdown with defending champion Andrey Rublev.
Alcaraz Overcomes Royer in Straight Sets
Alcaraz demonstrated his resilience against Royer, battling back from 2-5 down in the second set to secure the win. He reeled off five consecutive games, showcasing his signature shotmaking and mental fortitude. According to Infosys ATP Stats, Alcaraz converted four of eight break points during the match.
World No.1 ways 🗣️💪@carlosalcaraz fends off Royer 6-2, 7-5 to return to the Doha quarter-finals@QatarTennis | #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/wX6PGzjSF7
“Obviously I had to be prepared for everything,” Alcaraz said. “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 uncover solutions, to find the right way again.”
Khachanov Awaits Alcaraz in the Quarter-Finals
Alcaraz will face Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals on Thursday. Khachanov, the 2024 Doha champion, defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 earlier in the day. Alcaraz holds a 5-0 head-to-head record against Khachanov, including a win on hard courts in Beijing in 2024.
Alcaraz is currently on a 27-match winning streak on outdoor hard courts, dating back to his Cincinnati Open title run last August. He is seeking his first trophy in Doha, having reached the quarter-finals in his debut appearance last year.
Tsitsipas and Rublev Set for Semi-Final Clash
Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to his first tour-level quarter-final in 10 months with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev. He will now face defending champion Andrey Rublev for a place in the semi-finals. Rublev secured his spot with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Fabian Marozsan.
Royer, despite his defeat, has risen seven spots to No. 53 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings after reaching the second round in Doha.
FAQ
Q: What is Carlos Alcaraz’s current winning streak on hard courts?
A: He is currently on a 27-match winning streak on outdoor hard courts.
Q: Who did Stefanos Tsitsipas defeat to reach the quarter-finals?
A: He defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4.
Q: Who won the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in 2024?
A: Karen Khachanov won the title in 2024.
Q: What is Alcaraz’s head-to-head record against Khachanov?
A: Alcaraz leads 5-0.
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