Imperious Alcaraz storms to Qatar Open title

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning his men’s singles final match against France’s Arthur Fils at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha on Feb. 21, 2026. (AFP)

• The seven-time Grand Slam champion needed just over 50 minutes to see off his French opponent
• He claimed the 26th title of his career

DOHA: Carlos Alcaraz was at his devastating best on Saturday as he claimed the Qatar Open title with a ruthless 6-2, 6-1 win over Arthur Fils.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion needed just over 50 minutes to see off his French opponent and claim the 26th title of his career.
Following Australian Open success earlier this month — completing his career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age — Alcaraz backed it up by storming to the title in Doha in his first tournament back since Melbourne and extending his match-winning streak to 12.
For 40th-ranked Fils, returning gradually to action after a lengthy injury absence, the Spanish world number one was a step too far at the end of a fine week in which he recorded wins over top-10 seeds Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka.