Alcaraz Dethrones Rublev, Awaits Fils in Doha Final

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 11 matches, defeating defending champion Andrey Rublev 7-6(3), 6-4 in a gripping semi-final at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Friday, February 20, 2026.^{ATP Tour} Alcaraz will face resurgent Frenchman Arthur Fils in Saturday’s final.

Alcaraz Overcomes Rublev in a Test of Resolve

The match against Rublev proved to be a significant test of Alcaraz’s mental fortitude.^{ATP Tour} Despite twice failing to serve out the opening set and relinquishing a 3-0 lead in the second, Alcaraz remained composed and ultimately converted his sixth match point to secure the victory after two hours and two minutes of play.^{ATP Tour}

“I understand what I am able to do every time I step on the court, what I am capable of doing,” Alcaraz stated after the match. “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.”^{ATP Tour}

Alcaraz now holds a 5-1 head-to-head record against the two-time Doha champion, Rublev.^{ATP Tour}

Fils Reaches First Final Since 2024

Standing between Alcaraz and the title is Arthur Fils, who reached his first tour-level final since winning the ATP 500 trophy in Tokyo in 2024.^{ATP Tour} Fils defeated sixth seed Jakub Mensik 6-4, 7-5 in the other semi-final.^{ATP Tour} Mensik had previously upset World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.

Fils, who is returning from an eight-month absence due to a back injury, has recently added 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic to his coaching team.^{ATP Tour}

“If you believe, then maybe you can do it, so I believe 100 per cent,” Fils said, looking ahead to his final with Alcaraz. “Let’s see tomorrow on the court, but for sure I am coming on court to fight.”^{ATP Tour}

Alcaraz’s 2026 Season So Far

Alcaraz began 2026 by capturing the Australian Open crown in January, becoming the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam.^{ATP Tour} He has maintained an undefeated record, now standing at 11-0 for the season.^Tennis.com