Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz needed just 50 minutes to thrash Frenchman Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1 and win the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s ninth ATP 500 title draws him level with Andy Murray for the joint-fourth highest tally since its inception in 2009.
« I came this year hungry for more, » said Alcaraz, who was eliminated in the quarter-finals 12 months ago. « 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. It’s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn’t easy. I had to be strong mentally with my team. I’m just playing great tennis and I’m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me.
« It feels like the job is finished right now, which is great. It was a great week, on and off the court. Seeing myself accomplish all the goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the week, it makes me really proud of myself and my team.
« Lifting the trophy in Doha for the first time, it feels amazing. I love playing tennis, and I love competing. It is time to enjoy every time that I am able to play and step on the court. »
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Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula halted a sequence of six consecutive semi-final appearances without silverware by triumphing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The American, who celebrates her 32nd birthday on Tuesday, defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-4 in 72 minutes to secure her 10th WTA Tour title.
« It’s a great birthday present for me, » said Pegula. « I get to celebrate by flying back home in a few hours but I’m just super happy to go home with the trophy. It was a great week. »
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