Carlos Alcaraz converts sixth MP and sinks Andrei Rublev to reach Doha final | ATP tour | Tennis

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Alcaraz converts sixth MP to sink Rublev and reach Doha final

The world number 1 awaits Mensik of Fils in Saturday’s ATP 500 final
February 20, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz’s mental fortitude was sorely tested by defending champion Andrey Rublev at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Friday, but the top seed eventually found a way out by converting his sixth match point to seal a dramatic passage to the final.

The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings battled to a thrilling 7-6(3), 6-4 win under the lights in Doha, extending his perfect start to 2026 to 11 matches. Although he twice failed to serve out the opening set and saw a 3-0 lead quickly disappear in the second, Alcaraz remained steady under pressure to advance to the Qatar ATP 500 final for the first time after two hours and two minutes.

See you at the silverware showdown 👉😁

World number 1 @carlosalcaraz is groundbreaking in Doha 7-6(3), 6-4 🆚 Rublev@QatarTennis | #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/clGTuSEvTM

— ATP tour (@atptour) February 20, 2026

“Every time I step on the field, I know what I can do, what I’m capable of,” Alcaraz said when asked if he’s ever surprised at himself. “The way I approach every match, I’m just really proud of that. It’s something I want to get better at and it’s paying off. I’m proud of myself [for] get better and mature.”

In Saturday’s final, Alcaraz awaits sixth seed and 2024 finalist Jakub Mensik – who defeated world number 2 Jannik Sinner on Thursday – or France’s Arthur Fils. With his semi-final win, Alcaraz extended his Lexus ATP Head2Head lead over two-time Doha champion Rublev to 5-1.

Since capturing the Australian Open crown in January and becoming the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam, the 22-year-old Alcaraz has played with certainty, but his path in Doha has required perseverance. After edging past 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 have to find it in a peaceful place,” Alcaraz said. “It’s something I’m working on. When I play and get angry and see that I’m not at my best, I just get frustrated. That’s not the place where you find solutions. In these games I’ve been very calm, I’ve thought clearly and I’m positive. They’re those places where you can find the solutions to a problem.”

Alcaraz squandered a 3-0 lead in the second set and later missed three match points on serve at 5-3 when Rublev made one last wave to break, but the Spaniard refused to miss the opportunity. Alcaraz himself regained control with an immediate break, remained calm to a nervous end and eventually converted his sixth match point to secure victory and advance to his 34th tour-level final. The world No. 1 is 25-8 in career finals, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.