Quick Read
- Carlos Alcaraz delivered a ‘pick-up perfection’ shot against Andrey Rublev in the Qatar Open 2026 semifinal on Friday.
- This ‘hot shot’ rattled Rublev and highlighted Alcaraz’s strong performance in the high-stakes match.
- Alcaraz reached the semifinal by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 in a nearly three-hour quarterfinal.
- The Qatar Open has also seen Jakub Mensik upset World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals.
- Alcaraz’s win against Khachanov extended his outdoor hard court winning streak to 28 consecutive matches.
DOHA (Azat TV) – World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz showcased his exceptional form at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026 on Friday, delivering a moment of ‘pick-up perfection’ that visibly rattled defending champion Andrey Rublev during their high-stakes semifinal clash. This highlight-reel play, quickly circulating online, underscored Alcaraz’s resilient performance as he vies for the championship title in Doha.
The critical point, which earned Alcaraz a break opportunity against Rublev, demonstrated the Spaniard’s unique blend of athleticism and precision. Spectators and commentators alike lauded the sublime series of shots, which saw Alcaraz retrieve a challenging ball with remarkable speed and finesse, turning defense into a decisive offensive move. The ATP Tour’s official channels highlighted this ‘hot shot,’ emphasizing its impact on Rublev, who appeared momentarily unsettled by Alcaraz’s unexpected response.
Alcaraz’s Resilient Path to the Semifinals
Alcaraz’s journey to the semifinal showdown with Rublev was marked by another display of resilience. In a thrilling quarterfinal encounter, the World No. 1 came back to defeat Karen Khachanov 6-7, 6-4, 6-3. The nearly three-hour match saw Khachanov claim a hard-fought first set, but Alcaraz roared back in the subsequent sets, showcasing the mental fortitude and physical prowess that have defined his career. This victory, secured on Thursday, February 19, 2026, set the stage for his much-anticipated clash with Rublev, the defending champion of the Qatar Open, as reported by Sky Sports.
The tournament has been a proving ground for top talent, with Alcaraz consistently demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His quarterfinal win against Khachanov was his 28th consecutive victory on an outdoor hard court, a testament to his consistent dominance on this surface. The presence of notable figures, such as former Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim, in the stands during Alcaraz’s match against Khachanov further highlighted the broad appeal and growing interest in the young Spaniard’s trajectory.
Emerging Rivals Challenge the ATP Landscape
While Alcaraz continues to cement his status at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, the Qatar Open has also brought attention to emerging talents threatening the established order. Notably, 20-year-old Jakub Mensik made headlines by stunning World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, defeating the Italian 6-7, 6-2, 3-6. Mensik’s powerful serve, which saw him land 83 percent of his first serves in the first set and 88 percent in the third against Sinner, proved decisive, as detailed by Lob and Smash.
Mensik’s impressive run, which saw him advance to face Frenchman Arthur Fils in the other semifinal, suggests a dynamic shift in the ATP landscape. For years, the tennis world has anticipated a potential dominance by a ‘Big Two’ of Alcaraz and Sinner. However, the rise of players like Mensik underscores the increasing depth of talent and the potential for a more competitive ‘Big Three’ or ‘Big Four’ scenario, reminiscent of the sport’s golden eras. This development ensures that the top players, including Alcaraz, will continue to face formidable challenges from a new generation of tennis stars.
Alcaraz’s ability to produce highlight-reel moments in crucial matches, even amidst the rise of new formidable competitors like Jakub Mensik, underscores his unique blend of athleticism and competitive drive, ensuring his continued relevance at the sport’s highest level.