Carlos Alcaraz survived a near scare in the Qatar Open quarterfinals after coming through a tough test against Karen Khachanov.
The Russian drew first blood in the match, taking the first set narrowly by emerging victorious in a tiebreak.
A defiant Alcaraz fought his way back into the contest to come out on top in three sets, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, wrapping it up in just under two and a half hours.
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Following his victory, the seven-time major champion said he was ‘proud’ of his performance.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts after beating Karen Khachanov in Qatar
In his on-court interview, Alcaraz said: “It was [a] really close and tight match. In the first set, I just had a few points that I couldn’t make it. Karen was playing great.
“I knew I had my chances but I just didn’t take them in the first set, so it was time to keep going and keep fighting and wait for my chances and try to make it. In the second set I did it, so I’m really proud of the way I did it and fought.”
When asked about his physiotherapist not being present in Doha, Alcaraz replied: “I have my second physio right now, and I put my full trust in him.
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“I know he is capable of doing whatever to make my body recover for the next round.
“He is a great professional as well. I am happy to have him in my team and know he is going to do a great job.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s semifinal opponent at the Qatar Open
Alcaraz’s semifinal opponent at the Qatar Open comes in the form of reigning champion Andrey Rublev.
Rublev put together an impressive run in Doha last year, overcoming the likes of Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper en route to the crown.
The former world number five has yet to drop a set in his title defence so far, but that is very likely to change in his next matchup with the youngest man ever to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz and Rublev have faced off five times before on the ATP Tour, with the 22-year-old leading the head-to-head 4-1.
In each of their last three meetings, Alcaraz has come out on top, with Rublev’s last win in the rivalry coming at the 2024 Madrid Open.
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