Carlos Alcaraz isn't just winning matches; he's delivering a masterclass in relentless dominance, solidifying his status as the sport's undeniable World No. 1. The Spanish phenom extended his astonishing unbeaten run to 11 consecutive victories on Friday, dethroning defending champion Andrey Rublev with a clinical 7-6 (3), 6-4 triumph to reach the Qatar ExxonMobil Open final. This marks his second final appearance of the young 2026 season.
- Carlos Alcaraz pushed his incredible winning streak to 11 matches in a row.
- He decisively defeated defending Doha champion Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
- The World No. 1 is set to extend his significant lead over rival Jannik Sinner.
- Alcaraz is now aiming for his first title since his Australian Open triumph.
Alcaraz's Unstoppable March to the Doha Final
Playing his first tournament since capturing the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, Alcaraz has shown no signs of slowing down. His two-hour, two-minute victory over the formidable Rublev was a testament to his focus and high-pressure execution, especially after a challenging three-set comeback earlier in the week against Karen Khachanov.
Dominance Over a Defending Champion
Despite Andrey Rublev having previously beaten Alcaraz, the Spaniard’s grip on this rivalry has tightened considerably. The World No. 1 now boasts four consecutive wins against the Russian, a clear indicator of his evolving superiority. Even with close sets on Center Court, Alcaraz held firm, particularly impressing in the crucial first-set tiebreaker and by breaking to seal the match after missing his own service game opportunity.
The Ranking Race: Extending the Gap
The hopes of a highly anticipated "Sincaraz" final in Doha were dashed when Jannik Sinner surprisingly fell to the talented Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals. This turn of events plays directly into Alcaraz's hands. He is now poised to extend his lead over Sinner by at least 3080 points, with the potential for an even greater margin should he claim the Doha title and push his season record to an immaculate 12-0.
What's Next for the Spanish Sensation?
Looking ahead to the final, Alcaraz awaits either Jakub Mensik or Arthur Fils. A clash with Mensik would be a fresh encounter, marking their first career meeting. Should Fils emerge victorious, Alcaraz carries a 2-0 head-to-head advantage, suggesting another potential masterclass from the young superstar. The world watches to see if he can cap off this dominant run with the Doha championship.
