Alcaraz races to victory in Qatar Open

Carlos Alcaraz took less than an hour to thrash Arthur Fils and maintain his unbeaten start to 2026 and win the Qatar Open in Doha.

The top seeded Spaniard was in devastating form throughout converting five out of seven break points, as he dispatched France’s Fils  6-2 6-1.

The win was the shortest of Alcaraz’s career was his 12th of the season as he followed up last month’s Australian Open victory with his 26th career title.

“I came this year hungry for more,” said Alcaraz, 22, who lost in the quarter-final of the Qatar Open last year.

“It’s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn’t easy, 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.”

It was only 20 days ago that Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.

The seven-time Grand Slam-winner broke Fils’ serve in the first game before racing through the first set in just 28 minutes.

Alcaraz hit 18 winners in the match, compared to just three from Fils’ and didn’t concede a single break point.

World No. 40  Fils missed almost eight months of last year;s season with a back injury, but was still able to see the funny side as he paid tribute to Alcaraz after the match.

“You played very good, you’re a hell of a champion, it’s a joke,” he said.

“Congrats to your team and to you, you did an unbelievable job.”

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz lifts Doha trophy – by ATPTour.com

Roger Parker

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