Carlos Alcaraz extended his perfect 2026 record to 11-0 by defeating Andrey Rublev 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 to reach his first Qatar Open final. The world No 1 saved six match points and converted his sixth to overcome the defending champion under the lights in Doha. Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open in January to complete the career Grand Slam, remains unbeaten in 12 of his last 13 tournaments.

In Dubai, Elina Svitolina upset world No 4 Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7 (13-15), 6-4 in a marathon three-hour battle. The Ukrainian saved four match points in a record-breaking 15-13 second-set tiebreak before prevailing in the decider. Svitolina's victory marks her second consecutive win over Gauff following their Australian Open quarterfinal clash. Jessica Pegula also advanced to the final by rallying from 6-1, 3-1 down to defeat Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Alcaraz will face Czech qualifier Jakub Mensik in Saturday's final, while Svitolina meets Pegula for the championship. The 22-year-old Spaniard's victory would extend his remarkable run and cement his status as the sport's dominant force. Meanwhile, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams received a wild card for the Indian Wells tournament, marking her return to the California desert event.