Carlos Alcaraz continued to assert his position as the top player in men’s tennis by winning his second tournament of the 2026 season in Doha. The World No. 1 Spaniard faced France’s young talent Arthur Fils in the final and quickly dominated the match, capturing the ATP 500 crown with a straight-sets victory.
This victory not only marked a significant achievement for Alcaraz, but it also drew praise from several notable figures across sports, such as Coco Gauff and former Grand Slam winner Garbiñe Muguruza.
Impressive Display of Skill and Speed During the Doha Final
Alcaraz set the tone from the opening point, showcasing a blend of power and speed that left little room for Fils to counter. He comfortably won the first set 6-2 and enhanced his performance in the second, closing it out 6-1. The final lasted just 50 minutes, during which Alcaraz secured the 26th title of his career.
With this win, Alcaraz equaled Andy Murray’s record by claiming his ninth ATP 500 title since the category was introduced in 2009, underscoring his consistency at this tournament level.
Additionally, Alcaraz extended his unbeaten record against Arthur Fils to 3-0 and brought his outdoor hard-court winning streak to an impressive 30 matches. His recent form also includes a 12-match winning streak, now bolstered by his Qatar Open success.
Celebrating the achievement, Alcaraz shared his excitement on Instagram, reflecting on his current momentum.
Widespread Praise From Fellow Athletes and Experts
The Spaniard’s dominant run at Doha attracted reactions from fellow players and sports personalities. Coco Gauff described the performance succinctly as “unreal,” while Garbiñe Muguruza praised his gameplay with the word “Nivelazo,” highlighting Alcaraz’s exceptional level. Former Real Madrid player Lucas Vázquez expressed his admiration with celebratory emojis, and his ex-teammate José Luis Mato Sanmartín, popularly known as Joselu, recognized him with the title “El número 1.”
Brad Gilbert, a former World No. 4 and Gauff’s coach, was particularly impressed by Alcaraz’s speed, tweeting:
wow 🤩 just looked up at TV 📺 escape from Alcaraz sprinting downhill to the 🏆 — Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) February 21, 2026
Alcaraz’s Continued Pursuit of Excellence Following a Stellar 2025 Season
Building on an outstanding 2025 campaign where he won eight titles, including the French Open and US Open, Alcaraz began 2026 with significant momentum. His Australian Open victory in February was his first major win in Melbourne and added to his growing list of accomplishments.
The ATP 500 victory in Doha further reinforces his confidence as he aims to maintain his dominance throughout the year. With his current form and strong mental resolve, Alcaraz remains a major favorite in upcoming tournaments, continuing to raise the bar in men’s tennis.
wow 🤩 just looked up at TV 📺 escape from Alcaraz sprinting downhill to the 🏆
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) February 21, 2026
