DOHA, Qatar: Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz overcame Croatian veteran Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4 Monday to reach the round of 16 at the Qatar Open.
The 36-year-old Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion who has fallen to No. 192 in the rankings, was playing his first match of the season after recovering from a long-term knee injury. The Croatian led 4-3 and 0-40 on Alcaraz’s serve in the second set, but the Spanish four-time major winner managed to recover and then broke in the next game.
“I am just really happy that I stayed calm at that moment, breathing, going through my routines, making good points,” Alcaraz said. “That’s why I was able to win in two sets.”
Alcaraz will play either Zhang Zhizhen of China or Italy’s Luca Nardi next.
Earlier, seventh-seeded Grigor Dimitrov lost 6-4, 6-4 to Jiri Lehecka.
Also on Monday, eighth-seeded Jack Draper beat Alexei Popyrin 6-2, 7-6 (4) to set up a meeting with another Australian, Christopher O’Connell.
Several other top players will play their first matches on Tuesday.
Second-seeded Alex de Minaur will face Roman Safiullin. Novak Djokovic, who had to pull out of his Australian Open semifinal with a hamstring injury, will take on Matteo Berrettini.
Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Stefano Tsitsipas will also play on Tuesday.
Alcaraz beats Cilic in straight sets to advance at Qatar Open
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Alcaraz beats Cilic in straight sets to advance at Qatar Open
- Alcaraz will play either Zhang Zhizhen of China or Italy’s Luca Nardi next
Real head coach Alonso expecting tough Spanish Super Cup 2026 semi with city neighbors
- Alonso told the press that Real Madrid will be able to present a better image of themselves than the one from the 5-2 La Liga defeat to Atletico
- Diego Simeone: I have confidence in my players and we are all looking forward to winning and qualifying for the final match
JEDDAH: Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Real Madrid, is preparing for a tough match against Atletico Madrid in the semifinal match of Spanish Super Cup 2026 held in Jeddah.
He emphasized his confidence in his team and his determination to win and qualify to the final match on Sunday.
In a pre-match press conference on Wednesday held in Jeddah, Alonso told the press that Real Madrid will be able to present a better image of themselves than the one from the 5-2 defeat to Atletico.
“It’s a semifinal match, we have to be very well prepared mentally and compete. Pay attention to the small details. They’re always a tough opponent, but we have energy and desire. It’s the first title of the season, and that’s why it’s the most important.”
Speaking about the previous loss against Atletico Madrid, he said: “We don’t want to repeat what happened back then, I’m convinced this time will be different.”
Alonso was accompanied by Jude Bellingham who also expressed his teammates’ preparation for the Madrid’s derby, he said: “They are a tough opponent. We have to learn from that league match against them, our first defeat of the season.”
Bellingham spoke about whether Real Madrid players had revenge on their mind heading into the derby, “We know how important this match is, especially after that 5-2 loss. So, we have to play with heart and mind.”
Asked about his opinion on the 2034 World Cup to be held here in Saudi Arabia, he commented: “I think they are capable of organizing such an event because they have solid infrastructure.”
He praised the facilities and stadiums, describing them as being of a high standard, stressing that the atmosphere is suitable to major matches and large crowds, noting that his experience in the past two seasons was wonderful, while wishing to return to Saudi Arabia time and time again in light of the continuous development.
Earlier on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and midfielder Koke held a pre-match press conference.
Koke talked about his legacy in the Madrid derby, as he is going to be the player with the most official derbies played in history.
“I haven’t thought about it. It’s always special to play a derby, to play a semifinal,” Koke said.
“In a semifinal against Real Madrid, there’s not much more motivation than winning,” he added.
Meanwhile, Simeone told the press that they are preparing for a tough match against Real Mad.
“I have confidence in my players and we are all looking forward to winning and qualifying for the final match,” he said.
Speaking about organizing the 20234 World Cup by Saudi Arabia, the Argentina coach said: ” It is always great to be here and we have been receiving great hospitality since we arrived. In addition the Saudis have been kind and respectful. I believe we will have a wonderful World Cup here in Saudi Arabia.”
