On Saturday, World No. 1 and Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz silenced any remaining doubters about whether he can thrive after a major coaching shakeup in the offseason. Alcaraz and his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero parted ways in December, and many thought that would be detrimental to Alcaraz’s game and success.
Alcaraz won the Australian Open and has now claimed his maiden Doha title in a straight set win (6-2, 6-1) over Arthur Fils. He was virtually unbeatable and could do no wrong in the straight set win.
Fils is making his return to tennis after a back injury kept him out of the game for most of last year, forcing him to retire from his home slam, the French Open. ATP tennis is better when Fils is competing at a high level so hopefully that trend continues.
MORE: Jessica Pegula hilariously struggles to get Coach Mark Knowles attention after WTA 1000 Dubai win
How Carlos Alcaraz has stepped up his game
Two years ago, Alcaraz would be accused of suffering lapses or drops in his level in matches. He also occasionally played low percentage shots in situations where he did not need to take the risk.
His focus and shot selection have been on point in 2026, and he is yet to lose a match. Alcaraz also has not lost an outdoor hardcourt match since last year’s Miami Open. He captures his 26th career title, the second winningest player behind Novak Djokovic with 101.
MORE: Alex Eala is not on initial Indian Wells doubles players list
Alcaraz will head to Indian Wells hoping to dethrone defending champion Jack Draper. As long as he can stay healthy, he seemingly is on the fast track to add to his ATP title count and continue to rewrite tennis history after becoming the youngest player to win the career Grand Slam last month.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
OLYMPICS: Team USA flag bearers revealed for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
MLB: Detroit Tigers drop unreal alternate jerseys for 2026 MLB season
NBA: Charlotte Hornets share update after LaMelo Ball’s car crash
NHL: 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey, NHL payrolls for final four teams
SPORTS MEDIA: Olympics reporter apologizes for drinking, slurring words during live segment
The post Carlos Alcaraz silences any remaining doubters, wins Doha in straight sets appeared first on The Big Lead.