Carlos Alcaraz finds solutions 'in a calm place' to reach Qatar Open final with victory over defending champion Andrey Rublev
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By Ben Grounds
Published 20/02/2026 at 23:44 GMT
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Carlos Alcaraz credited finding solutions in a “calm place” as the key to navigating a challenging semi-final against defending champion Andrey Rublev and reaching the Qatar Open final. The Spaniard relied on his mental composure to overcome Rublev, converting his sixth match point in a 7-6(3), 6-4 victory under the Doha lights on Friday night. Alcaraz faces Arthur Fils on Saturday in the final.
Alcaraz and Sinner star in best shots from Australian Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz credited finding solutions in a "calm place" as the key to navigating a tough semi-final against defending champion Andrey Rublev to reach the Qatar Open final.
The Spaniard leaned on his mental composure to overcome Rublev, converting his sixth match point in a 7-6(3) 6-4 victory under the Doha lights on Friday night.
Despite twice failing to serve out the opening set and seeing a 3-0 lead in the second quickly erased, the world No. 1 extended his perfect 2026 start to 11 wins.
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Alcaraz’s focus and steady approach under pressure ultimately propelled him into his first Qatari ATP 500 final after two hours and two minutes.
"I know what I am able to do every time I step on the court, what I am capable of doing," Alcaraz said. "The way that I am approaching every match, I'm just really proud about it.
"It's something I am trying to be better at and it's paying off. I'm proud of myself [for] getting better and maturing."
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Alcaraz, who claimed a maiden Australian Open crown in January to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, will face the resurgent Frenchman Arthur Fils on Saturday in the final.
The 22-year-old persevered in the tournament, defeating former champion Karen Khachanov in three sets in the quarter-finals. Against Rublev, Alcaraz held his nerve and won the first-set tiebreak.
"If you want to find a solution to a problem, you should find it in a calm place," Alcaraz said.
"It's something I am working on. When I am playing and getting frustrated, seeing that I'm not at my best, I just get even more frustrated.
"That is not the place you will find solutions. In these matches, I have been remarkably calm, thinking clearly, and maintaining a positive attitude. It's in those places where you can find the solutions to a problem."
After breaking his opponent's serve twice in the second set, Alcaraz squandered five match points before eventually converting his sixth to set up the Fils showdown.
Fils defeated the quarter-final conqueror of Jannik Sinner, Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic, 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
Svitolina shocks Gauff after epic tie-break
Ukraine's Elina Svitolina produced a stunning upset over Coco Gauff to book her place in the Dubai Tennis Championships final against Jessica Pegula.
Gauff, 21, had been on the verge of securing an all-American final on Saturday, but Svitolina prevailed in a marathon three-hour, three-minute encounter 6-4 6-7 (13-15) 6-4.
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Elina Svitolina extended her recent dominance over Coco Gauff
Image credit: Getty Images
Pegula had already secured her spot in the final, overcoming compatriot Amanda Anisimova 1-6 6-4 6-3 after recovering from a nightmare opening set and an early break in the second.
Svitolina's victory marked her second consecutive triumph over the world No. 4, having also defeated Gauff in straight sets at last month’s Australian Open quarter-finals.
The 31-year-old endured a nerve-wracking second-set tie-break, where she squandered four match points, but she remained resilient to claim the decider.
Her win returns her to the Dubai final for the first time since she captured back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
"I'm speechless after that fight. I was really trying to put myself out there, playing as if there was no tomorrow," Svitolina said.
"It's really special to be in the final again after a few years. Coco is such a big fighter. I was expecting her to come back in the match. She's won so many big tournaments. I'm very pleased with the fight and the win."
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