“In my top 10 or top 15 matches”: Alcaraz puts his unplayable Doha form into words
The world No. 1 secured his first Qatar ExxonMobil Open title in just 50 minutes, extending his perfect start to the 2026 season to 12-0.
Carlos Alcaraz, Doha 2026 | © Exxson Mobil Open
Carlos Alcaraz moved into the stratosphere of ATP history on Saturday night, capturing his 26th career title and ninth at the ATP 500 level with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Frenchman Arthur Fils.
The championship match was a statistical anomaly, lasting only 50 minutes as Alcaraz surrendered just 24 points in total. He was imperious on his own delivery, losing a mere six points on serve and facing zero break points throughout the contest. For Fils, it was a baptism by fire in his first final since returning from a long-term injury hiatus.
“I played really solid, aggressively when I could, passing when I had to ; that mix of both sides makes me play really good tennis.”
Alcaraz attributed the lopsided nature of the final to his unwavering commitment to his game plan from the first ball. “I just played great today. I was really focused at the beginning of the match to play such great tennis. In the finals is when you have to show your best level,” Alcaraz explained. “I played really solid aggressively. Aggressively when I could, passing when I had to. I think that mix of both sides makes me play really good tennis.”
“I played amazing. I didn’t make any mistakes at all. Serving well, returning well… I had to give my 100%. I’m probably going to put it in my top 10 or top 15 matches in terms of level.”
The Spaniard noted that the early nerves displayed by his 21-year-old opponent allowed him to seize a psychological advantage he never relinquished. “Arthur started the match making a lot of mistakes. That gave me the confidence to play relaxed and calm. He let me dominate the game and dominate every point. I was in a good position almost every time.”
Alcaraz : “Great week on and off the court”
Reflecting on a career that already includes seven Grand Slam titles, Alcaraz emphasized that his dominance stems from a newfound maturity rather than just physical talent. “Success is more than lifting trophies; it is about how you feel and how you see yourself,” Alcaraz said.
“I’m a totally different person and player since 2022 when I got the number one spot and my first Grand Slam. I’m growing up as a person and a player. I’m getting mature and seeing myself in a position that I really like to be. That is why I’m enjoying every time I step on the court.”
“It feels like the job is finished right now,” Alcaraz said after lifting the trophy. “It was a great week on and off the court, accomplishing all the goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the week. It makes me really proud of myself and my team. Lifting the trophy in Doha for the first time feels amazing.”
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Alcaraz was quick to praise Fils’ journey back to the top of the game following an eight-month layoff. However, he could not hide his satisfaction with his own technical execution, which he ranked among his career bests.
