Qatar Open Semi-Finals Round-Up | Alcaraz overcomes resilient Rublev; Fils dominates Mensik
ATPFriday, 20 February 2026 at 22:04
On Friday, the ATP 500 Qatar Open semifinals delivered high-intensity contests, showcasing tactical precision and resilience. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz faced defending champion Andrey Rublev, establishing control early and closing both sets to secure a straight-sets victory. His consistent performance under pressure sets up an exciting final.
In the second semifinal, Arthur Fils defeated Jakub Mensik in straight sets to reach his first ATP 500 final. The Frenchman displayed composure in a late tie-break and converted crucial mini-breaks, while Mensik’s aggressive baseline game kept the match competitive. Fils will now face Alcaraz for the Doha title.
Carlos Alcaraz overcomes resilient Rublev in Doha semi-final
Carlos Alcaraz claimed his place in the Doha Open final after a tense semi-final against defending champion Andrey Rublev. The World No. 1 faced an early test, as Rublev started strongly, holding serve and immediately putting Alcaraz under pressure in the opening games. A tricky start saw Alcaraz fall 15-40 and forced him to save two early break points, yet the Spaniard gradually regained composure, settling into his rhythm and keeping the match on level terms.
The first set evolved into a tense contest, with both players trading breaks. Alcaraz initially broke Rublev at 3-2, but the Russian responded immediately, capitalising on a brief lapse in the Spaniard’s play and forcing the set into a tie-break. In the tie-break, Alcaraz showed his authority in the key moments, taking advantage of a crucial forehand error from Rublev to secure three set points and ultimately close the set 7-6(3). Following the loss of the set, Rublev quickly retreated to the locker room for a brief toilet break.
Alcaraz began the second set with an aggressive approach, breaking Rublev early to take a 2-0 lead. Rublev responded with determination, winning three consecutive games to level at 3-3 and momentarily swinging momentum in his favour. Despite this, Alcaraz remained composed, steadily regaining control of rallies. A decisive break at 5-3 allowed the World No. 1 to serve for the match, and following an unforced backhand error from Rublev, Alcaraz closed out a 7-6(3), 6-4 victory after 1 hour and 50 minutes on court.
The win sets up a highly anticipated final with Frenchman Arthur Fils, giving Alcaraz the opportunity to compete for his second title of the season. The Spaniard’s ability to maintain focus under pressure and execute in critical moments once again proved decisive in reaching the final.
Match Statistics Carlos Alcaraz vs. Andrey Rublev
| Carlos Alcaraz | VS | Andrey Rublev |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 3 | Aces | 1 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 68% (65/96) | 1st Service Percentage | 57% (46/80) |
| 62% (40/65) | 1st Service Points Won | 63% (29/46) |
| 48% (15/31) | 2nd Service Points Won | 41% (13/32) |
| 69% (9/13) | Break Points Saved | 58% (7/12) |
| 64% (7/11) | Service Games | 55% (6/11) |
| Return | ||
| 37% (17/46) | 1st Return Points Won | 38% (25/65) |
| 59% (19/32) | 2nd Return Points Won | 52% (16/31) |
Arthur Fils secures Doha final spot with composed win over Mensik
Arthur Fils 6-4, 7-6 Jakub Mensik. Fils produced a composed and mature performance to advance to the Doha Open final, defeating Jakub Mensik in straight sets. The Frenchman started strongly, earning an early break in the first set and consolidating it through consistent serving and aggressive baseline play. Both players held serve comfortably for the remainder of the opening set, with Fils eventually closing it out 6-4 and demonstrating poise and focus in key points.
The second set began with Mensik serving well, immediately creating three break points for Fils. The Frenchman responded calmly, using big first serves and intelligent shot selection to turn the tide early in the set. Both players exchanged holds and occasional breaks, with Mensik showing aggression but ultimately unable to convert his opportunities in the closing stages.
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The set eventually moved to a tie-break, where Fils displayed remarkable composure, securing two consecutive mini-breaks to surge to a 5-1 lead. He maintained his focus throughout, closing out the tie-break and the match on his own serve to seal a 6-4, 7-6 victory after an intense contest.
The win marks a significant milestone for the 22-year-old Frenchman, who will now face World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the Doha final. Fils’ combination of a steady serve, aggressive returns, and mental resilience proved decisive, particularly in moments where the match could easily have swung in Mensik’s favour. His performance under pressure confirms his capacity to compete at the highest level on the ATP 500 stage.
Match Statistics Arthur Fils vs. Jakub Mensik
| Arthur Fils | VS | Jakub Mensik |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 5 | Aces | 8 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 67% (54/81) | 1st Service Percentage | 59% (37/63) |
| 72% (39/54) | 1st Service Points Won | 81% (30/37) |
| 59% (16/27) | 2nd Service Points Won | 50% (13/26) |
| 88% (7/8) | Break Points Saved | 60% (3/5) |
| 91% (10/11) | Service Games | 82% (9/11) |
| Return | ||
| 19% (7/37) | 1st Return Points Won | 28% (15/54) |
| 50% (13/26) | 2nd Return Points Won | 41% (11/27) |
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