Carlos Alcaraz stretched his perfect start to 2026 to 10 straight wins as he overcame a stern test from Karen Khachanov in the Qatar Open quarter-finals.

The Australian Open champion will meet Andrey Rublev for a place in the final after triumphing 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-3 in almost two-and-a-half hours.

Both players forced three break points apiece in the opening set without converting any, with Khachanov saving a set point at 4-5.

Khachanov then stepped up his level to pull clear in a one-sided tie-break, which was highlighted by the Russian digging out a staggering forehand winner from the back corner.

But Alcaraz assumed control in the second set, getting the first break of the contest in game five. The Spaniard passed up one set point against his opponent's serve, but he then held to love to send it to a decider. 

The third set followed a similar pattern as Alcaraz again broke to go 3-2 up, and this time, he finished matters on Khachanov's serve.

"It was a really close and tight match," Alcaraz said afterwards. "In the first set I had a few break points and I couldn't make them, a set point and I couldn't make it, so it was really tough.

"I think Karen was playing great, but I knew I'd had my chances. I just didn't take them in the first set, so it was the time to keep going and try to keep fighting. 

"Wait for my chances and try to take them in the second set. I'm just really proud about the way that I fought."

"You never get tired?" @karenkhachanov with the comedy after a thriller with @carlosalcaraz @QatarTennis | #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/t8yeZWBnvh

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 19, 2026

Data Debrief: Alcaraz still perfect

As well as winning 10 straight matches to start the year, Alcaraz also boasts a perfect head-to-head record against Khachanov, winning all six of their meetings.

The Spaniard has also won 11 consecutive quarter-finals at Tour-level events since losing to Jiri Lehecka at this tournament last year.