Alcaraz's Epic Comeback in Doha Quarterfinals
Carlos Alcaraz displayed incredible determination on February 19, rallying from a set down to defeat Karen Khachanov 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3 in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open quarterfinals. The match was a testament to Alcaraz's fighting spirit and resilience, showcasing why he is the World No. 1.
Khachanov, who had previously won in Doha, started the match strongly. He was able to match Alcaraz's intensity and took an early lead in the tiebreaker, ultimately winning the first set 7-6(3). The highlight of the set was a stunning winner from Khachanov, which left Alcaraz with little room to respond. There was also a moment of frustration for Alcaraz, as he argued with the referee over a time violation warning.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz maintained his composure. In the second set, he broke Khachanov's serve at a crucial moment, leveling the match at one set apiece with a solid 6-4 victory. His movement and shot variety became more evident, forcing Khachanov into making errors and allowing Alcaraz to dictate the play.
In the decisive third set, Alcaraz broke early and never looked back, racing through the set 6-3. His aggressive forehands and precise serving proved too much for Khachanov, who struggled to create scoring opportunities. The match concluded in just over two hours, with Alcaraz sealing the victory on his first match point.
With this win, Alcaraz improved his perfect 2026 record to 10 wins in 10 matches, demonstrating his dominance on the court. He is set to face defending champion Andrey Rublev in the semifinals, which promises to be an exciting clash. Alcaraz's recent form since achieving a career Grand Slam earlier in the year further emphasizes his status as a rising star in the world of tennis.
