Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov exchange messages on social media after their quarterfinal in Doha

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Carlos Alcaraz defeated Karen Khachanov, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, in the Qatar Open quarterfinals.

In one of the matches of the year so far, Alcaraz fought back from a set down to secure his spot in the last four.

Khachanov was excellent throughout, but couldn’t quite get over the line to pick up his first win against the Spaniard.

After the match, Khachanov was gracious in defeat, sharing a nice moment with Alcaraz at the net.

The pleasantries continued on social media, as Khachanov and Alcaraz exchanged messages.

Carlos Alcaraz wishes Karen Khachanov ‘all the best’ after their Qatar Open thriller

Alcaraz posted the following message on his Instagram account.

“Tremendous match!” he said.

“Well played, Karen Khachanov, it was a pleasure!

“Looking for one step more tomorrow.”

Khachanov also sent Alcaraz a message on Instagram.

“Crazy match,” he said.

“High level of tennis.

“Well-deserved win, Carlos Alcaraz.

“Until next time.”

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Alcaraz replied to Khachanov’s post.

“Man! All the best in the best tournaments!” he said.

“What a battle.”

The win was Alcaraz’s sixth against Khachanov, remaining unbeaten in their head-to-head.

Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov’s head-to-head record

Khachanov will have to wait a little longer for his first win over Alcaraz, but he can be pleased with his efforts in Doha.

He’ll now turn his attentions to the ‘Sunshine Double’ Masters 1000 events in the United States.

But for Alcaraz, there’s still work to be done in the Qatari capital.

Carlos Alcaraz is two wins away from a first Qatar Open title

Alcaraz made his Qatar Open debut in 2025.

Things didn’t quite go to plan, though, as he lost in the quarterfinals.

Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 Qatar Open

• 2025 Qatar Open 1R [WIN] vs Marin Cilic, 6-4, 6-4
• 2025 Qatar Open 2R [WIN] vs Luca Nardi, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3
• 2025 Qatar Open QF [LOSS] vs Jir Lehecka, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6

Returning in 2026, Alcaraz has gone one better, but needs to win two more matches before he can call himself a champion.

Carlos Alcaraz at the 2026 Qatar Open

• 2026 Qatar Open 1R [WIN] vs Arthur Rinderknech, 6-4, 7-6
• 2026 Qatar Open 2R [WIN] vs Valentin Royer, 6-2, 7-5
• 2026 Qatar Open QF [WIN] vs Karen Khachanov, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3

But who will he need to beat?

2026 Qatar Open semifinals

• [1] Carlos Alcaraz vs [5] Andrey Rublev
• Arthur Fils vs [6] Jakub Mensik

First up, the Spaniard will face another Russian, Andrey Rublev.

The 28-year-old is the defending champion and has yet to drop a set this week.

Alcaraz does, however, have a commanding lead in their head-to-head, 4-1.

Carlos Alcaraz and Andrey Rublev’s head-to-head record

Should he pick up a fifth win over Rublev, Alcaraz will advance to take on either Jakub Mensik or Arthur Fils in the final.

Many expected Alcaraz to meet Jannik Sinner in the Championship match, but the Italian couldn’t hold up his end of the bargain.

In three sets, Sinner lost to Mensik in the quarterfinals.

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Alcaraz will be confident of beating Fils or Mensik should he reach the final.

The world number one has never played Mensik but leads Fils 2-0 in their head-to-head.

Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in Doha, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

Alcaraz will play Rublev and Fils will play Mensik in the semifinals on Friday, February 20.