Alcaraz Survives Nardi Scare to Reach Qatar ExxonMobil Open Quarterfinals

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz faced a stern test but emerged victorious, defeating Italian qualifier Luca Nardi 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Wednesday. The world No. 3 Spaniard showcased his resilience in a match that tested his composure, extending his winning streak to seven matches and improving his 2025 record to an impressive 11-1.

Alcaraz started the match in commanding fashion at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, racing through the first set 6-1 in just 36 minutes with flawless play. His aggressive baseline game and pinpoint serving overwhelmed Nardi, ranked No. 85, who struggled to find answers early on.

The 21-year-old Spaniard carried that momentum into the second set, building a 4-1 lead and appearing poised for a routine victory. However, Nardi mounted a spirited comeback, reeling off five consecutive games to level the match at one set apiece. “My energy levels probably went down a little bit, but credit to him,” Alcaraz said post-match, acknowledging Nardi’s mid-match surge.

The third set saw Alcaraz regain control, breaking Nardi’s serve in the fourth game and closing out the contest with a 6-3 scoreline after one hour and 53 minutes of play. Converting 5 of 11 break-point opportunities, Alcaraz outlasted Nardi, who committed five double faults and could only manage 2 of 5 break points himself. 

“I just tried to stay there, stay strong mentally,” Alcaraz reflected. “I’m really happy that I forgot everything and restarted in the third set.”

This victory marks Alcaraz’s 12th consecutive win in ATP 500 events, a streak that includes his recent title at the Rotterdam Open earlier this month. His debut in Doha has been a success so far, following a straight-sets win over Marin Cilic in the first round. 

Next up, Alcaraz will face Czech standout Jiri Lehecka, who advanced with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. Lehecka, enjoying a 12-2 start to his 2025 season, promises a thrilling quarterfinal clash.

Elsewhere in Doha, the top seeds asserted their dominance. Second-seeded Alex de Minaur of Australia dispatched Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, setting up a quarterfinal meeting with fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev, who beat Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-4. 

Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev cruised past Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1, and will face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who advanced via walkover after Hamad Medjedovic withdrew with a leg injury. Eighth-seeded Jack Draper of Great Britain also progressed, defeating Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-1, and will take on Matteo Berrettini, who ousted Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(4), 6-7(6), 6-4.

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open, now upgraded to an ATP 500 event, continues to deliver high-stakes tennis as Alcaraz and the field vie for the title. With a packed quarterfinal lineup, fans can expect more excitement as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion this weekend.