Qatar Open: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner into quarter-finals with straight-sets victories | Tennis News

Carlos Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals at the Qatar Open with a straight-sets victory over Valentin Royer.

The world No 1, in his first tournament since completing the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, clinched the first set 6-2 but had to weather a second-set fightback from his French opponent before progressing 7-5.

The victory saw Alcaraz extend his outdoor hard-court winning streak to 27 matches.

“I had to be prepared for everything,” Alcaraz said on Sky Sports Tennis.

“There were some moments where a small part of my mind thought about a third set, but the rest was working to find solutions.

“I’m really pleased and happy to find good rhythm and tennis again.”

Alcaraz progresses through to a 55th ATP Tour quarter-final and will play Russian Karen Khachanov, who overcame Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 6-2 4-6 6-4 in the second round.

“It’s a great number,” the 22-year-old added. “I’m not thinking of the number of quarter-finals, I think about the number of finals, that’s my mindset and goal.”

Sinner into Qatar quarters

Second seed Jannik Sinner defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets to book his place in the quarter-finals.

The Italian made light work of his opponent, prevailing 6-3 7-5 in one hour and 25 minutes to set up a last-eight tie against Jakub Mensik of Czechia.

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