<figure id="attachment_3287612" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3287612" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-3287612" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/8e5b591f-13772161.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3287612" class="wp-caption-text">Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz poses with the trophy after winning the ATP Qatar Open in Doha. (EPA Images pic)</figcaption></figure>
DOHA: Carlos Alcaraz was at his devastating best on Saturday as he claimed the Qatar Open title with a ruthless 6-2, 6-1 win over Arthur Fils.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion needed just over 50 minutes to see off his French opponent and claim the 26th title of his career.
Following Australian Open success earlier this month &#8212; completing his career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age &#8212; Alcaraz backed it up by storming to the title in Doha in his first tournament back since Melbourne and extending his match-winning streak to 12.
&#8220;I came this year hungry for more,&#8221; said Alcaraz.
&#8220;I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. I&#8217;m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court.
&#8220;It&#8217;s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn&#8217;t easy&#8230; I had to be strong mentally with my team. I&#8217;m just playing great tennis and I&#8217;m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me.&#8221;
For 40th-ranked Fils, returning gradually to action after a lengthy injury absence, the Spanish world number one was a step too far at the end of a fine week in which he recorded wins over top-10 seeds Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka.
The run to his first tour-level final since Tokyo in 2024 will propel the former world number 14 up to 33 in the next ATP rankings.
&#8220;It&#8217;s been eight long months with my injury,&#8221; said Fils.
&#8220;So in a time like this, you just have to think about the last eight months when I was struggling, not playing tennis. I just want to thank my team&#8230; Today was not the day but I think we did a hell of a job.&#8221;

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