The title triumph marked Alcaraz\u2019s ninth ATP 500 trophy, drawing him level with former World No. 1 Andy Murray for the fourth-highest tally in the category since its inception in 2009.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI came this year hungry for more. I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. I\u2019m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn\u2019t easy\u2026 I had to be strong mentally with my team. I\u2019m just playing great tennis and I\u2019m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me,\" Alcaraz said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
From the outset, Alcaraz dictated terms, striking early and defending with breathtaking athleticism. Even after Fils raised his level and began trading blows from the baseline, the Spaniard repeatedly produced spectacular retrievals and clutch shotmaking to extend his winning streak to 12 matches, ATP reports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn\u2019t easy\u2026 I had to be strong mentally with my team. I\u2019m just playing great tennis and I\u2019m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me,\" Alcaraz said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
With his run to a first tour-level final since winning the title in Tokyo in 2024, Fils jumped seven spots to No. 33 in the ATP Live Rankings. The former World No. 14 will next compete at the ATP 500 in Dubai, where he faces a rematch with Jiri Lehecka, whom the Frenchman beat in the Doha quarter-finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n