Alcaraz downs Fils to win Qatar Open, extends perfect start to the year

World number one Carlos Alcaraz cruised past ​Frenchman Arthur Fils 6-2 6-1 ‌to win the Qatar Open ​on Saturday (February 21, 2026) and ⁠extend his perfect start to the year.

Alcaraz, whose second trophy of ‌2026 came 20 days after he completed the ‌career Grand Slam at ‌the ⁠Australian Open, dictated the ⁠match from the outset and won a remarkable 89% of his first-serve ​points while ‌never facing a break point during the 50-minute encounter.

“I came this year hungry for ‌more,” said the Spanish top ​seed, who lost in the Doha quarter-finals ⁠last year.

“I think after every tournament, we just have to ‌set new goals. I’m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court.”

With ‌the win, Alcaraz improved to 12-0 ​for the year and collected his ninth ATP ⁠500 trophy, which drew him level ⁠with Andy Murray for fourth in the category ‌since its inception, according to the ATP.