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Alcaraz Stages Epic Comeback, Sets Doha Quarterfinal vs Khachanov

Carlos Alcaraz progressed to the Qatar Open quarterfinals with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Valentin Royer, rallying from 2-5 down in the second set. The win extends his outdoor hard court winning streak to an impressive 27 matches. He will next face 2024 Doha champion and seventh seed Karen Khachanov for a spot in the semifinals. In the other quarterfinal in his half of the draw, defending champion Andrey Rublev will take on Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated Daniil Medvedev.

Key Points: Alcaraz Wins, Faces Khachanov in Qatar Open Quarterfinal

  • Alcaraz wins 6-2, 7-5
  • Rallies from 2-5 down in second set
  • Extends outdoor hard court streak to 27 matches
  • Quarterfinal vs 2024 champion Khachanov
  • Rublev to face Tsitsipas in other QF
2 min read

Alcaraz sets QF with Khachanov in Doha

Carlos Alcaraz advances to the Qatar Open quarterfinals with a straight-sets win, setting up a clash with Karen Khachanov. Details on his winning streak and other key matches.

"I just had to stay there, and I'm happy I turned it around and got the win in straight sets. - Carlos Alcaraz"

Doha, Feb 19

Carlos Alcaraz progressed to Qatar Open quarterfinal with a straight sets 6-2, 7-5 win over Valentin Royer.

Alcaraz reeled off five consecutive games from 2-5 in the second set, raising his level in typically classy fashion to round out a 96-minute second-round triumph.

"There were some moments when I thought about a third set, I'm not going to lie, but obviously it was just a small place in my mind that was thinking that. The rest was working to find solutions, to find the right way again.

"I'm just really pleased and really happy I was able to find good rhythm again, and good tennis. It's just about fighting. I know tennis. It's just about one point, and sometimes it is really difficult to close out the set or the match. I just had to stay there, and I'm happy I turned it around and got the win in straight sets," Alcaraz said after the win.

Alcaraz is on a nine-match winning streak after backing up his Australian Open title run by reaching the quarter-finals in Doha. He will on Thursday take on Karen Khachanov for a last-four spot.

The seventh-seeded Khachanov, who downed Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 earlier on Wednesday, was the 2024 champion in the Qatari capital.

Alcaraz is now on a 27-match winning streak on outdoor hard courts, dating back to his title run at the Cincinnati Open last August. The 22-year-old is chasing his maiden trophy in Doha, where he fell at the quarter-final stage to Jiri Lehecka on event debut a year ago, ATP reports.

The other quarter-final in Alcaraz's half of the draw will feature fifth seed and defending champion Andrey Rublev taking on Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Rublev brushed aside Fabian Marozsan 6-2, 6-4, while former World No. 3 Tsitsipas advanced to his first tour-level quarter-final for 10 months by downing fourth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a tennis fan in Mumbai, it's fantastic to see such high-quality matches in Doha. The tournament is getting really competitive. Alcaraz vs. Khachanov will be a great quarterfinal. Khachanov is a former champion here, so it won't be easy.
A
Ananya R
27-match winning streak on outdoor hard courts is insane! 😲 He's just 22. The consistency is unbelievable. We need an Indian player to break into this top tier soon. Watching these young stars is so inspiring.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, while Alcaraz is amazing, the article focuses a lot on him. The other quarterfinal with Rublev and Tsitsipas is also huge! Tsitsipas beating Medvedev is a big upset. The bottom half of the draw is wide open now.
K
Karthik V
His mental game is what sets him apart. He admitted he thought about a third set but kept working for solutions. That's the mark of a true champion. Hope he can maintain this form for the rest of the season. All the best for the QF! 👍

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