Alcaraz, Fils to Meet in Doha Final

Top seed Alcaraz advances to championship match, will face Fils for title

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:25am

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Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain remained undefeated this season, advancing to the final of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open with a 7-6(3), 6-4 win over defending champion Andrey Rublev. Alcaraz, who completed the career Grand Slam three weeks ago at the Australian Open, will face France's Arthur Fils in the final. Fils reached his first tour-level final since winning the title in Tokyo in 2024 by defeating sixth-seeded Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6(4).

Why it matters

Alcaraz's run to the final in Doha continues his strong start to the 2026 season, as he looks to build on his Australian Open title and maintain his position as one of the top players in men's tennis. Fils, a rising young French player, has a chance to capture his first ATP Tour title.

The details

Alcaraz had to work hard to get past Rublev, needing six match points spread across two games to seal the victory. Fils, meanwhile, defeated sixth-seeded Jakub Mensik in straight sets to reach his first tour-level final since winning the title in Tokyo in 2024.

  • Alcaraz completed the career Grand Slam three weeks ago at the Australian Open.
  • The Qatar ExxonMobil Open final will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Carlos Alcaraz

A 22-year-old Spanish tennis player who is the top seed at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. He recently completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open.

Arthur Fils

A French tennis player who is through to his first tour-level final since winning the title in Tokyo in 2024.

Andrey Rublev

A Russian tennis player who was the defending champion at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.

Jakub Mensik

A Czech tennis player who was the sixth seed at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The final of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open between Carlos Alcaraz and Arthur Fils will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The takeaway

Alcaraz's run to the final in Doha continues his strong start to the 2026 season, as he looks to build on his Australian Open title and maintain his position as one of the top players in men's tennis. Fils, a rising young French player, has a chance to capture his first ATP Tour title.