Carlos Alcaraz rallies after umpire clash to reach Doha semifinals

Carlos Alcaraz overturned an early deficit and a tense confrontation with the chair umpire to advance to the semifinals of the ATP 500 event in Doha, downing Karen Khachanov in three sets.

Carlos Alcaraz's comeback and the umpire confrontation

The world No. 1 dropped a tight opening set in a tiebreak, then recovered to win 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 and secure a place among the last four in Doha. The match was marked not only by the on-court shifts in momentum but also by a heated exchange with the chair umpire. After a long rally, a subsequent moment involving Alcaraz retrieving his towel led to a time-violation being called. The player openly criticized the enforcement of the rule in strong terms during the dispute with the official.

Despite the friction with the umpire and an uncomfortable start, Carlos Alcaraz found the level he needed in the second and third sets to pull away and close out the win. The victory preserved his unbeaten run at the event and carried him deeper into the tournament bracket.

Earlier straight-sets win, extended streak and what's next

Earlier in the week Alcaraz had progressed to the quarterfinals by defeating a different opponent in straight sets, a result that set up the tougher test against Khachanov. The semifinal spot in Doha adds to a remarkable run: the player has now extended his winning streak to ten consecutive matches.

With the semifinal berth secured, Alcaraz now faces Andrey Rublev for a place in the Doha final. The head-to-head record favors him 4-1, and he has not lost to Rublev since a meeting in Madrid in 2024. That historical edge, combined with his current form and the momentum from consecutive wins, frames the next matchup as a pivotal test for continuing the streak and moving on to the title decider.

Sunday's progress in Doha underscores two recurring themes from this week: Alcaraz's capacity to recover from tight early setbacks and his willingness to challenge on-court rulings when they affect momentum. Both elements could shape the coming semifinal against Rublev and any further run in the ATP 500 event.