Carlos Alcaraz defeated Marin Cilic 6–4, 6–4 in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Doha on hard court, confirming his status as the overwhelming pre-match favourite with odds of 1.04 to Cilic's 16.61. The Spanish world number three controlled proceedings throughout, breaking serve twice in each set to secure a comfortable victory in straight sets. Alcaraz's clinical performance underlined his credentials as a title contender at this stage of the season, whilst Cilic's exit marks an early departure from the Qatari event. The result maintains Alcaraz's upward trajectory on hard courts as he builds momentum ahead of the latter stages of the tournament.