Carlos Alcaraz Overcomes Khachanov and Umpire Dispute to Reach Doha Semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a first-set tiebreak loss and a heated exchange with the chair umpire to beat Karen Khachanov 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, advancing to the semifinals of the ATP 500 event in Doha. The win extended his unbeaten run to ten consecutive matches and sets up a semifinal against Andrey Rublev.
Match arc and decisive moments
The match began as a tightly contested affair, with Alcaraz dropping a close first set in the tiebreak. He regained control in the second and third sets, reversing momentum to claim the victory in three sets. The comeback prevented an upset that had briefly loomed during the early phases of the contest.
Carlos Alcaraz, the umpire dispute and the on-court exchange
Beyond the scoreline, the match featured a confrontation with the chair umpire. After an extended rally, Alcaraz retrieved his towel and was assessed a time violation. He protested the decision, using strong language to express his frustration with the ATP timing rules. The episode produced a visible on-court confrontation but did not alter the match result.
Stakes, standings and the road ahead
The victory pushed Alcaraz into the last four at the Doha ATP 500 and preserved his current winning streak at ten consecutive matches. His next opponent will be Andrey Rublev for a place in the tournament final. The head-to-head stands in favor of Alcaraz at 4-1, and the Spaniard has not lost to Rublev since their meeting in Madrid in 2024. The outcome in the semifinal will determine whether his winning run continues and whether he reaches the Doha final.
Open questions and immediate watch points
- Specific timing and official wording of the time violation remain unspecified.
- Whether the on-court dispute will prompt any formal review or commentary from tournament officials is not provided.
- Details about player condition, recovery plans, or preparations ahead of the Rublev match are not disclosed.
Realistic scenarios and triggers to follow
- Alcaraz defeats Rublev and advances to the final — this would extend his unbeaten run and move him within one match of the Doha title.
- Rublev defeats Alcaraz — this would end the Spaniard's current streak of consecutive wins and halt his progression in the tournament.
- The umpire incident draws official attention — if tournament referees comment or act, it could affect procedures or discipline around time violations going forward.
Why this matters: the win preserved a significant winning streak and removed the immediate threat of an unexpected loss in Doha. The combination of on-court resilience and a public dispute with officiating adds narrative weight heading into the semifinals, where a matchup with Rublev will test Alcaraz's form and composure under continued scrutiny.
