Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open with a straight sets victory over Valentino Royer.
The world No. 1, in his first tournament since completing a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, won the first set 6-2 but had to withstand a second-set fightback from his French opponent before advancing 7-5.
With the win, Alcaraz extended his outdoor hard court winning streak to 27 matches.
“I had to be ready for anything,” Alcaraz said Ski Sports Tennis.
“There were moments when a small part of my mind was thinking about the third set, but the rest were working to find a solution.”
“I’m really satisfied and happy that I found a good rhythm and tennis again.”
Alcaraz advances to the 55th ATP Tour quarterfinals and will play against Russian Karen Khachanov, who defeated Hungarian Marton Fučovič 6-2 4-6 6-4 in the second round.
“It’s a great number,” added the 22-year-old. “I’m not thinking about the number of the quarterfinals, I’m thinking about the number of the finals, that’s my way of thinking and my goal.”
Sinner in the quarter of Katara
Second seed Janik Siner defeated Australian Alexei Popyrin in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Italian made little work of his opponent, winning 6-3 7-5 in one hour and 25 minutes to set up a last 16 tie against Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic.
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