Carlos Alcaraz defeats No. 6 Andrey Rublev to advance to Doha final | ATP Tour

Doha

Alcaraz converts sixth MP to beat Rublev to advance to Doha final

World No. 1 awaits Mencic or Fiers in Saturday’s ATP 500 final

February 20, 2026

Defending champion Andrey Rublev put Carlos Alcaraz’s mental resolve to a stern test at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Friday, but the top seed eventually found a way to cash in on his sixth match point to advance to a dramatic final.

The PIF ATP No.1 extended his perfect start to 2026 to 11 matches with a gripping 7-6(3), 6-4 victory under the Doha lights. Although Alcaraz failed to hold serve twice in the first set and the 3-0 lead in the second set was quickly erased, Alcaraz remained stable under pressure and advanced to the Qatar ATP 500 final for the first time after 2 hours and 2 minutes.

See you in the silverware showdown 👉😁

No. 1 in the world @carlosalcaraz New progress in Doha 7-6(3), 6-4 🆚 Rublev@khadatennis | #QADAExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/clGTuSEvTM

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 20, 2026

“I know what I can do and what I’m capable of every time I step on the court,” Alcaraz said when asked if he surprised himself. “The way I approach every game, I’m very proud of it. It’s something I’m trying to get better at and it’s paying off. I’m proud of myself.” [for] Become better and mature. “

Awaiting Alcaraz in Saturday’s final will be sixth seed and 2024 finalist Jakub Mensik, who defeated world No. 2 Jannik Sinner on Thursday, or France’s Arthur Fils. With the semi-final win, Alcaraz extended Lexus ATP’s lead over two-time Doha champion Rublev to 5-1.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz has played with confidence since winning the Australian Open in January and becoming the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam, but his path in Doha will require perseverance. After defeating former champion Karen Khachanov in three sets in the quarterfinals, the top seed faced more challenges against Rublev.

“If you want to find a solution to a problem, you should find it in a peaceful place,” Alcaraz said. “That’s something I’m working on. When I get angry during games and see myself not being at my best, I get frustrated. That’s not where you find solutions. In these games I’m very calm, clear-thinking, positive. That’s where you find solutions to problems.”

Alcaraz squandered a 3-0 lead in the second set and then missed three match points on serve at 5-3. Rublev broke serve at the end, but the Spaniard refused to let go of the opportunity. Alcaraz regained control after an immediate break of his own and kept his composure in the tense match, eventually grabbing the sixth match point to seal victory and advance to his 34th tour-level final. According to the Infosys ATP Win-Loss Index, the world No. 1 has a career final record of 25-8.