Australian Open champion Carlos Alcaraz needed just 50 minutes to thrash Frenchman Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1 and win the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s ninth ATP 500 title draws him level with Andy Murray for the joint-fourth highest tally since its inception in 2009.

“I came this year hungry for more,” said Alcaraz, who was eliminated in the quarter-finals 12 months ago. “I think after every tournament we just have to set new goals. I’m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court. It’s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn’t easy. I had to be strong mentally with my team. I’m just playing great tennis and I’m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me.

“It feels like the job is finished right now, which is great. It was a great week, on and off the court. Seeing myself accomplish all the goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the week, it makes me really proud of myself and my team.

“Lifting the trophy in Doha for the first time, it feels amazing. I love playing tennis, and I love competing. It is time to enjoy every time that I am able to play and step on the court.”

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Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula halted a sequence of six consecutive semi-final appearances without silverware by triumphing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The American, who celebrates her 32nd birthday on Tuesday, defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-4 in 72 minutes to secure her 10th WTA Tour title.

“It’s a great birthday present for me,” said Pegula. “I get to celebrate by flying back home in a few hours but I’m just super happy to go home with the trophy. It was a great week.”