In a shocker at the Qatar Open, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz fell to Czech underdog Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in a nail-biting quarterfinal clash Thursday. The 21-year-old Spanish sensation, fresh off his Rotterdam Open win earlier this month, saw his 2025 record drop to just two losses — both happening in quarterfinals.
From Break Point to Break Down
Alcaraz led 4-2 in the decisive third set and even held a break point against Lehecka's serve. But the 23-year-old Czech flipped the script, winning three straight games to seal the match. \"I don't know what I could've done better,\" a stunned Alcaraz admitted post-match. \"He didn't give up — credit to him.\"
Lehecka's Breakout Moment
World No. 25 Lehecka called it a \"super big achievement\" after outlasting Alcaraz: \"I wanted to push him to his limits. Trusting my game was key.\" He'll now face Britain's Jack Draper, who rallied past Matteo Berrettini, in Friday's semifinals.
Rublev's Rollercoaster Ride
In other matches, fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev survived a marathon against Alex de Minaur, saving a match point before winning 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(8). The 2020 Doha champion will meet Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, who advanced after Daniil Medvedev retired due to illness.
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\"I don't know what I could've done better,\" a stunned Alcaraz admitted post-match. \"He didn't give up — credit to him.\"
