Carlos Alcaraz knows that this phase of the season is very important for him. The former world No.1 – who won the title in Rotterdam in February before being knocked out in the quarterfinals in Doha – has very significant pressure ahead of the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami.

The expectation at the start of the ATP Qatar Open in Doha was that Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz would remain in contention for the title by this stage.

On Thursday, World No. 3 Alcaraz took on No. 25 Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals. Lehecka overpowered Alcaraz throughout the two-hour, nine-minute match, taking the win in three sets: 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

This means that the 21-year-old from Murcia will need to win at least two of the first four Masters 1000 races of the season in order to hope to dethrone Jannik before his return to the professional tour.

World no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz chased his second ATP 500 title of the month in Doha. The Rotterdam champion passed two obstacles before falling to world no. 25 Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in two hours and nine minutes.

February 20 - Top seed Carlos Alcaraz withstood a charge from qualifier Luca Nardi for a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 victory in the second round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on Wednesday. Spain's ...

As the Czech snapped Alcaraz's winning streak, the victory felt more like a showcase for how well Lehecka can play, rather than an example of Alcaraz’s failings.

Jiri Lehecka knocked off top-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The 23-year-old Czech trailed 4-2 in the third set before rallying to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Lehecka struck eight aces and converted 4 of 8 break chances to secure the first Top 3 win of his career.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz lost for just the second time this year on Thursday when 25th-ranked Jiri Lehecka beat him 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open.