Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the last 16 of the Qatar Open by defeating Croatian veteran Marin Cilic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Cilic, the former U.S. Open champion and currently ranked 192, played his first match after a long-term knee injury. The match featured tense moments, particularly in the second set where Cilic led at one point, but Alcaraz's ability to remain composed allowed him to reclaim control and win. He will next face either Zhang Zhizhen or Luca Nardi, adding to the excitement of the tournament with several other top players scheduled to compete soon.
Alcaraz, reflecting on his performance, emphasized the importance of staying calm during critical moments: "I am just really happy that I stayed calm at that moment, breathing, going through my routines, making good points."
Despite facing a challenging match against Cilic, Alcaraz managed to push through the pressure, stating, "That's why I was able to win in two sets."
Cilic, returning from a long injury lay-off, showcased resilience even in defeat, having led early in the second set against the higher-ranked Alcaraz.
Alcaraz's victory continues his impressive stint as a top-seeded player, proving his focus and skill as he progresses in the Qatar Open.
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