Alcaraz Seeks 18th ATP Title
Carlos Alcaraz is aiming for his 18th ATP title in Doha, following his recent triumph in Rotterdam. The 21-year-old kicked off his campaign with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Marin Cilic in an hour and 39 minutes.
Despite firing more unforced errors than winners, Alcaraz kept the pressure on his opponent, sealing the win in the closing stages of the second set to avoid a decider.
Tough Battle Against Cilic
The young Spaniard acknowledged Cilic’s aggressive style and admitted facing some tense moments during the match. However, he credited his composure for helping him pull through.
Alcaraz won 12 more points than Cilic and had the upper hand on second-serve points. He faced six break points but managed to save five, keeping his opponent under pressure.
Returning to competition for the first time since November, Cilic struggled to match the pace. The Croatian faced ten break points, losing his serve three times and ultimately falling short despite a strong effort.
First Set: Alcaraz Takes the Lead
Cilic made an early mistake, losing serve in the first game and giving Alcaraz an immediate advantage. However, the Spaniard surrendered his own serve in the second game, allowing Cilic to level the score.
- Cilic saved two break points in the third game to hold serve.
- He survived a deuce in the fifth game to stay ahead at 3-2.
- Alcaraz faced a break point in the sixth game but saved it with a service winner to make it 3-3.
The Spaniard then mounted pressure in the seventh game, earning five break chances. Cilic saved four but cracked under pressure on the fifth, allowing Alcaraz to break for a 4-3 lead.
Alcaraz held his serve comfortably and wrapped up the first set in 55 minutes with a service winner.
Second Set: Alcaraz Holds His Nerve
Both players held their serves in the opening seven games of the second set, with no break opportunities. Alcaraz, however, stepped up in the crucial moments.
“I survived, and it was crucial to keep my composure and calm in those moments,” Alcaraz said. “I focused on my shots while saving those break points—the only way to win in straight sets.”
With this victory, Alcaraz moves forward in his Doha campaign, determined to claim another title.