Carlos Alcaraz triumphs in Qatar Open return
Carlos Alcaraz secured a hard-fought victory in his return to competitive action at the Qatar Open in Doha, overcoming Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in the opening round, reports BritPanorama.
The Spanish top seed faced a stern challenge from the unseeded Frenchman, who raised his performance considerably in the second set. Alcaraz, however, maintained his composure, managing to fend off two set points at 5-6 before clinching the tie-break.
“It was really difficult,” Alcaraz remarked after the match. “Arthur is a really dangerous player. Nobody wants to play against him in the first round, I’m happy with the level.” He demonstrated his champion’s mentality, saving both set points and ultimately secured the tie-break with a precise forehand winner.
This victory marked Alcaraz’s first competitive outing since his triumph at the Australian Open last month, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final. The win in Melbourne not only earned him his seventh Grand Slam title but also made him the youngest male player ever to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz struck 28 winners throughout the match, showcasing his aggressive play style even under pressure. This triumph also marked his 150th tour-level victory on hard courts and extended his unbeaten run in 2026 to eight consecutive matches.
In the second round, Alcaraz will face Valentin Royer, who advanced after defeating compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-0, 6-3. As Alcaraz builds towards the remainder of the season, his performance in Doha indicates that he remains a formidable force in the sport.
Such is the nature of competition; the young Spaniard’s journey underscores the relentless pace of the sport—never letting the triumphs of yesterday overshadow the battles of today.
